FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 17, 2023

Southwestern Ontario – Warden Glen McNeil of the County of Huron has been elected by acclamation as Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), during the organization’s Annual General Meeting held at the Elm Hurst Inn, Ingersoll on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Also appointed at the AGM as WOWC officers were Warden Wade Mills of the County of Dufferin to the office of Vice-Chair; Meighan Wark, CAO of Huron County as Secretary; and Sonya Pritchard, CAO of Dufferin County as Treasurer.

“I am honoured and humbled to have been placed in the position of Chair, to represent Western Ontario, and I look forward to continue advancing the objectives and advocacy of the WOWC,” stated Chair McNeil. “2023 will be a critical year for the WOWC in terms of advancing its priorities and implementing its projects, particularly with diversifying our housing stock, attracting a skilled workforce and addressing mental health and addictions issues in our communities.”

Priorities for the WOWC over the coming months include:

•  diversifying affordable and attainable housing in rural areas,
• attracting a skilled workforce to the region,
• addressing mental health and addictions, and
• cell gap coverage.

“The WOWC has continued to advocate strongly for its priorities and looks forward to the delegations with various Provincial Ministers at the ROMA 2023 Conference,” added Chair McNeil. “The challenges around workforce and housing continue to have significant impacts on our economy and we all need to work together for solutions. This excellent cooperation among all levels of government will only continue to foster the future success of Western Ontario."

Prior to his appointment as WOWC Chair, Warden McNeil served on the Caucus in 2022 as Vice-Chair. As WOWC Chair, Warden McNeil will serve on the AMO Board, County Caucus, and will continue to serve as Mayor of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW).

In addition, Mayor Jim Ginn, Municipality of Central Huron, was elected by acclamation as Chair of the WOWC Economic Development Sub-Committee. Committee membership will also include the following Wardens and Past-Mayors: Cathy Burghardt- Jesson (Middlesex), Basil Clarke (Simcoe), Alison Warwick (Thames – Centre) and supported by WOWC member CAOs, Regional Partners and Economic Development specialist staff.

About

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 1.5 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. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca. 

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Media Contact

Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director

Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

T: 519-495-6059 E: kate@wowc.ca