Housing, infrastructure, mental health and addictions, and economic development took centre stage at the sold-out 2025 Western Ontario Municipal Conference (WOMC), held in London on October 17.
The annual event, hosted by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), brought together municipal leaders, provincial representatives, and industry experts from across the region for a day of collaboration and discussion.
Opening the conference, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, welcomed delegates, followed by a keynote address from journalist Steve Paikin, former host of TVO’s The Agenda. Throughout the day, panel sessions explored innovative approaches and best practices for addressing Western Ontario’s most pressing challenges, from housing shortages and infrastructure needs to mental health support and strategies for regional economic growth.
The conference concluded with a fireside chat featuring Ontario Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Matthew Rae, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier Will Bouma, and MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Paul Vickers. They discussed ways municipalities and the Province can collaborate to strengthen 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 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.
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities with more than 1.6 million residents in Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Elgin, Essex, Grey, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth, Wellington, and Simcoe.
