The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) hosted a sold out 2025 Western Ontario Municipal Conference (WOMC) in London, Ontario, on October 17th, bringing together municipal leaders, provincial representatives, and industry experts from across the region for a day of collaboration and discussion under this year’s theme, Powering Ontario’s Economic Engine.
The annual conference provided dynamic programming and valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, with sessions focused on four key streams: Housing, Infrastructure, Mental Health and Addictions, and Economic Development.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, followed by an engaging keynote address from Steve Paikin, renowned journalist and former host of TVO’s The Agenda.
Throughout the day, delegates participated in concurrent panel sessions highlighting innovative approaches and best practices in addressing Western Ontario’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
A fireside chat closed the conference, featuring provincial representatives including Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs; Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Paul Vickers, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Together, they shared insights on collaboration between municipalities and the Province to strengthen Ontario’s rural and regional communities.
“Bringing together municipal leaders, provincial partners, and sector experts creates space for the kind of open dialogue that strengthens Western Ontario’s role as the engine of Ontario’s economy,” said Amy Martin, Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Mayor of Norfolk County. “The Western Ontario Municipal Conference continues to be an important forum for meaningful discussion, shared learning, and collaboration among those shaping the future of our region.”
“The success of this year’s sold out conference reflects the strong commitment of Western Ontario’s municipalities to work together and share ideas that make a real difference in our communities,” added Marcus Ryan, Chair of the Western Ontario Municipal Conference and Warden of Oxford County . “We’re grateful to our delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors for helping to make the Western Ontario Municipal Conference such a valuable and engaging event.”
The conference kicked off the evening prior with a networking reception, generously sponsored by Middlesex County, giving delegates the opportunity to connect with colleagues and explore the conference’s information fair.
The WOWC extends its appreciation to all conference sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions in making this year’s sold-out event a success.
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.6 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education.
