Members of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) are back from Toronto after engaging with provincial leaders at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference.
The caucus said in a media release that they had the opportunity to share municipal perspectives and advance priorities that strengthen their communities, which includes Perth County, represented by Warden Dean Trentowsky.
Caucus chair Marcus Ryan said municipalities are dealing with complex challenges that affect residents’ daily lives, from staffing shortages in essential services to the need for robust municipal infrastructure that supports growth, community safety and well-being.
Ryan added that the conference provided a, “vital opportunity to bring these local realities directly to provincial leaders, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of our communities and support practical, sustainable solutions.”
Caucus members met with parliamentary assistant Silvia Gualtieri (Ministry of Solicitor General) to discuss challenges with vulnerable sector checks and associate minister Sam Oosterhoff (Ministry of Energy and Mines) to discuss broadband and cellular infrastructure priorities for southwestern Ontario.
WOWC also met with Hydro One staff to explore opportunities for ongoing collaboration on regional infrastructure and energy initiatives.
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus represents 15 upper and single-tier municipalities and aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities.
