February 18, 2025, Eastern Ontario – As the united voice for Eastern Ontario’s small-urban and rural municipalities, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) has set clear priorities for the upcoming Ontario election. On behalf of nearly one quarter of Ontario’s 444 municipalities, the EOWC has outlined four priorities and 13 top recommendations in the 2025 Ontario Election Priorities package: Ready to Work, Ready to Grow.
“Eastern Ontario’s future must be a priority in the Ontario election. The EOWC’s municipalities are already driving progress, and we are ready to do even more for the region. We need provincial leaders who are ready to work with us to tackle issues around infrastructure, housing, health care, and the economy. The EOWC remains ‘Ready to Work and Ready to Grow’.” – EOWC Chair, Bonnie Clark (Warden of Peterborough County)
“Our municipalities are the backbone of Ontario’s future, and this election is a pivotal moment to ensure Eastern Ontario priorities are heard. Together with our provincial partners, we can unlock the full potential of our communities and drive meaningful progress for residents.” – EOWC Vice-Chair, Steve Ferguson (Mayor of Prince Edward County)
The EOWC’s priorities for Ontario’s next government include:
1. Regional Economy and U.S. Tariff Threats: Ensure municipalities are part of Ontario's approach to U.S. government tariff threats and eliminate barriers to enable municipalities to buy local and give preference to Canadian companies.
2. Municipal Infrastructure: Increase investments in municipal infrastructure to grow the region’s economy, create jobs, and close our municipal infrastructure deficit, which is now over $6 billion across the region.
3. Housing: Support municipalities to build all types of housing through capital investments and modernizing provincial programs to prevent homelessness.
4. Health Care: Continue provincial funding for community paramedicine programs that are proven to succeed.
Eastern Ontario is poised for growth. The region has the land and is building its workforce. The EOWC is committed to working with all provincial leaders to ensure Eastern Ontario remains a vibrant, competitive and sustainable region.
About the EOWC
The EOWC is a non-profit organization advocating for 103 small-urban and rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario. The EOWC covers an area of 50,000 square kilometres, serving 800,000 residents. For more than 20 years, the EOWC has gained support and momentum by speaking with a united voice to champion regional municipal priorities and work with the government, businesses, non-profit organizations, Indigenous leaders, the media, and the public.
Media Contacts:
Elected officials:
Bonnie Clark, Chair, EOWC (Warden of Peterborough County)
705-927-4207
[email protected]
Steve Ferguson, Vice-Chair (Mayor of Prince Edward County)
613-827-7174
[email protected]
Staff:
Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy, EOWC
647-545-8324
[email protected]
