The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus has named its leadership duo for the term of 2026, including a regional representative to the east of Quinte.
The EOWC, representing the region’s 103 municipalities, proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting on Friday, providing an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made throughout eastern Ontario and to look ahead with renewed focus.
Bringing together federal, provincial, and municipal leaders, the meeting highlighted shared commitment to strengthening the economic vitality, municipal infrastructure, rural health care, and overall quality of life for businesses and people in eastern Ontario.
The EOWC is pleased to announce Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County as Chair (acclaimed) and Nathan Townend, Warden of Lennox and Addington County, as Vice-Chair for 2026. Their leadership and experience will be instrumental as the EOWC continues to advance priorities and advocate on behalf of eastern Ontario communities.
EOWC Chair Clark shared the following statement:
“I am honoured to continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus. Over the past year, we made meaningful progress, and I look forward to building on that momentum in 2026. By working together with our municipal, provincial, and federal partners, we will keep advocating for priorities that matter most to eastern Ontario’s rural and small-urban communities.”
The EOWC extends its sincere thanks to speakers, Minister Lisa Thompson, Minister Nolan Quinn, Minister Rob Flack, Earl Provost, Ontario Agent – General (Chicago), and EORN Chair, Jennifer Murphy, for sharing their insights at the AGM. Their perspectives and leadership contribute to the advancement shared goals for eastern Ontario.
This year’s AGM also included distinguished guests whose participation reinforced the importance of collaboration across all levels of government in addressing current challenges and future opportunities, throughout the region and Canada as a whole.
EOWC officials thank the following guests;
· MP Scott Reid
· Minister Nolan Quinn
· Minister Lisa Thompson
· MPP Billy Denault
· MPP Ric Bresee
· MPP Steve Clark
· MPP Ted Hsu
· MPP Tyler Allsopp
· Earl Provost, Ontario Agent-General (Chicago)
· Alexander Kostenko, Commercial Officer at the Ontario Trade and Investment Office in Chicago
· Scott Phelan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Premier and Ministry of Intergovernmental Relations
· Chad Crew, Stakeholders Relations Advisor, Premier’s Regional Office in Ottawa
· Christa Lowry, ROMA Chair
· Robin Jones, AMO President
· Margot Cragg, Executive Director, MARCO
· Karen Nesbitt, Director of Policy and Government Relations, AMO
· Jen Liptrot, Director, Municipal Services Office (East)
· Cole Matthews, Senior Municipal Financial Advisor, Municipal Services Office (East)
· Jason St.Pierre, CEO, Eastern Ontario Regional Network
Over the past year, the EOWC has advanced its strategic priorities, including economic resilience, municipal infrastructure, housing, and health care and will continue to work on those this year.
Lennox and Addington Township Warden Nathan Townend (left) is the vice-chair of the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus for the 2026 term. Warden of Peterborough County Bonnie Clark was acclaimed as chair. Photo: EOWC/submitted
