The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) highlighted regional priorities at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa this week. Representing 103 rural and small urban municipalities, the caucus welcomed Premier Doug Ford’s $1.6 billion investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support housing and trade-enabling projects.
EOWC Chair Bonnie Clark said the annual AMO conference remains an important platform for municipal voices in provincial decision-making.
The caucus partnered with the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), representing 220 municipalities combined, to discuss shared challenges. Guest speakers included Lisa Thompson, Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs, Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, and Christa Lowry, Chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
Both caucuses pledged support for the Elect Respect campaign, calling for safer, more respectful political environments.
During the week, the EOWC also met with federal and provincial leaders, opposition parties, and sector partners. Clark was appointed County Caucus Chair on AMO’s Board of Directors, giving counties a stronger voice in government discussions.
