The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is calling on the provincial government to keep the current local governance system at the municipal level.
A press release from the wardens’ caucus mentions that they are “advocating for a collaborative approach” as the provincial government looks into Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026.
The WOWC has raised concerns about some proposed changes in the bill, including provincially appointed wardens and increased executive powers. The release states that these alterations would “represent a significant shift away from locally determined governance.”
Furthermore, the wardens’ caucus emphasizes that counties function differently compared to most cities and regional governments. They work with a two-tier municipal system based on collaboration that considers rural realities.
The WOWC consists of 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, serving over 1.6 million residents.
The Caucus is pushing for the Province to make sure any future reforms:
-Maintain locally elected leadership
-Recognize differences between municipal structures
-Reflect rural and regional realities
-Be developed in partnership with municipalities
“Municipal governments work best when they remain local, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve,” said WOWC Chair Marcus Ryan. “Counties are already delivering on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Governance changes must build on that success-not undermine it. Local leadership matters-especially in rural and County systems where collaboration across municipalities is critical. A one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect how Counties operate or the realities of our communities.”
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