The Western Ontario Wardens Caucus is seeking housing solutions for the region stretching from the Bruce-Grey area, down to Essex County, and over to Norfolk County.
Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) Chair Glen McNeil was at the 2023 Ministers’ Housing Forum in Toronto on Monday, November 27 to discuss housing in small and rural southwestern communities
McNeil met with Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Associate Minister Rob Flack and Parliamentary Assistant Matthew Rae in an effort to find ways to increase the housing supply in the region.
McNeil said collaborating with provincial representatives will help bring about lasting and impactful solutions to the challenges faced by the 15 upper and single tier municipalities and their three million residents. The Forum included several roundtable discussions on topics such as inclusive housing, modular housing, and missing-middle homes.
“The Housing Forum was an opportunity to meet Minister Calandra and ensure that small and rural Southwestern Ontario has a voice at the table,” McNeil said.
Other attendees at the event included municipal representatives, developer associations, non-profits, modular housing builders, as well as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Ontario Big City Mayors, and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
"Our communities are leaders in finding solutions to today’s housing crisis. We are fortunate that both Associate Minister Flack and Parliamentary Assistant Rae are from Western Ontario and understand the unique challenges and solutions that small and rural communities can bring to the table,” stated McNeil. “Through our combined efforts and ongoing advocacy, WOWC remains committed to working closely with our provincial counterparts."