The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus announced a new chair for the coming year.
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Mayor Amy Martin, of Norfolk County, was elected for a one-year term.
“It is an honor to serve as chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus for the coming year,” Martin said in a release Monday.
“As a region, we face critical challenges and opportunities that require a unified approach. By prioritizing housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and addressing mental health, addictions, and homelessness, the WOWC will continue to advocate for solutions that drive progress and improve quality of life for residents across Southwestern Ontario.”
The announcement was made following the organization’s annual general meeting, where additional officers were also appointed.
Warden Kevin Marriott, County of Lambton, was elected vice chair, Al Meneses, chief administrator of Norfolk County, will serve as secretary, and Sonya Pritchard, chief administrator of Dufferin County, will hold the office of treasurer.
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In addition to the board’s leadership, Darren White, past-warden of Dufferin County, was named chair of the WOWC economic development sub-committee.
This committee includes sitting and past wardens, with support from WOWC member CAOs, regional partners and economic development specialists.
Warden Marcus Ryan, from Oxford County, will serve as chair of the Western Ontario Municipal Conference.
The caucus also approved its 2025-27 strategic plan, committing to the following priorities in the region:
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Work force
- Mental health, addictions and homelessness
“Collaboration will be at the heart of our efforts this year,” Martin said. “By working together with all levels of government, industry, and community partners, the WOWC will ensure that our priorities align with the needs of the region and deliver meaningful results for our communities.”
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The WOWC is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in southwestern Ontario, representing about 1.6 million residents.
It aims to enhance the prosperity and well-being of rural and small urban communities across the region.
2025-26 WOWC BOARD
- Flesh Amy Martin, Norfolk County
- Vice-chair Kevin Marriott, County of Lambton
- Andrea Matrosovs, Gray County
- Basil Clarke, Simcoe County
- Brian Ropp, Middlesex County
- Chris White, Wellington County
- Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent
- David Bailey, County of Brant
- Doug Kellum, Perth County
- Grant Jones, Elgin County
- Hilda MacDonald, County of Essex
- Jamie Heffer, Huron County
- Janet Horner, Dufferin County
- Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County
- Marcus Ryan, Oxford County
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