The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus representing 103 rural and small-urban municipalities – recently participated in the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference, held in the City of Ottawa, championing regional municipal priorities.
“The AMO Conference continues to be a vital platform for ensuring municipal voices are heard and reflected in provincial decision-making,” said Chair Bonnie Clark. “We are proud to represent the interests of our 103 municipalities and work collaboratively with our provincial partners to advance solutions that support our communities.”
As municipal infrastructure is a top priority for the EOWC, the caucus welcomes and thanks the Ontario Government and Canada Governments’ $1 billion investment to support housing development and strengthen communities.
The funding will help rural municipalities address infrastructure needs, expand housing opportunities, and support sustainable growth.
The EOWC kicked off the conference on Sunday, August 16, leading a joint meeting with the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC). Together, the two regional organizations discussed common opportunities and challenges affecting their combine 220 rural and small-urban municipalities across Ontario.
EOWC officials say a key outcome of the meeting was a unified resolution calling for the Province of Ontario to consider allowing municipalities to keep the 1.76-per cent of
the non-refundable HST rebate.
To support this advocacy effort, the EOWC has shared the HST resolution on their website and developed a template letter of support for municipalities and partners.
These resources are available on the EOWC website to assist municipalities and stakeholders in demonstrating their support for the initiative.
Throughout the conference, the EOWC engaged in focused meetings with
federal and provincial government leaders, opposition parties, and sector
partners, including:
• The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job
Creation, and Trade
• The Honourable Tom McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure
• The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs
• The Honourable Steve Clark, Government House Leader, Ontario
• Parliamentary Assistant Dave Smith, Ministry of Finance
• Parliamentary Assistant John Joardan, Ministry of Health
• Premier’s Office (Ottawa Regional Office), Scott Phelan
• Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP)
• Ontario Green Party
• Tim Tierney, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Hydro One
The EOWC’s 2026 AMO Advocacy Briefing Package, outlining regional advocacy, data, and recommendations, is available at www.eowc.org.
