It was an opportunity to ensure that small and rural communities in southwestern Ontario have a "voice at the table".
Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) Chair, Glen McNeil, and Kate Burns Gallagher, executive director, participated in the 2023 Ministers’ Housing Forum in Toronto this week.
McNeil met with the Paul Calandra, minister of municipal affairs and housing, Rob Flack, associate minister, and Matthew Rae, parliamentary assistant and Perth-Wellington MPP, to discuss housing, the WOWC said in a media release.
“The Housing Forum was an opportunity to meet Minister Calandra and ensure that small and rural southwestern Ontario has a voice at the table,” said McNeil.
The event included municipal representatives, developer associations, non-profits, modular housing builders, as well as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Ontario Big City Mayors and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
The forum included discussion on inclusive housing, modular housing, and missing-middle homes.
By working collaboratively with provincial representatives, the caucus aims to bring about lasting and impactful solutions to the challenges faced by small and rural municipalities in southwestern Ontario, WOWC said.
The caucus membership includes Perth County Warden Rhonda Ehgoetz.
“Our communities are leaders in finding solutions to today’s housing crisis. We are fortunate that both associate minister Flack and parliamentary assistant Rae are from western Ontario and understand the unique challenges and solutions that small and rural communities can bring to the table,” said McNeil. “Through our combined efforts and ongoing advocacy, WOWC remains committed to working closely with our provincial counterparts.”
More information about the WOWC’s priorities, research, and recommendations is available at www.wowc.ca.
