The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus (WOWC) has urged the provincial government to maintain the current local governance structure at the municipal level.
A press release from the wardens' caucus states that the caucus is "advocating for a collaborative approach" to municipal governance reform as the provincial government considers Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026.
The WOWC is raising certain concerns regarding proposed changes within the bill, such as provincially appointed wardens and expanded executive powers. The release from the WOWC states that these changes would "represent a significant shift away from locally determined governance."
Also, the wardens' caucus is stressing that counties operate differently than most cities and regional governments, operating with a two-tier municipal system built on collaboration that takes rural realities into account.
The WOWC is made up of 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.6 million people.
The Caucus is advocating for the Province to ensure any future reforms:
-Maintain locally elected leadership
-Recognize differences between municipal structures
-Reflect rural and regional realities
-Be developed in partnership with municipalities
"Municipal governments work best when they remain local, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve," said WOWC Chair Marcus Ryan. "Counties are already delivering on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Governance changes must build on that success—not undermine it. Local leadership matters—especially in rural and County systems where collaboration across municipalities is critical. A one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect how Counties operate or the realities of our communities.”
