The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus was pleased to attend the 107th International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Bruce County as part of Rural Ontario Week, celebrating the people, communities, and industries that keep rural Ontario strong and moving forward.

“The International Plowing Match is a celebration of everything that makes rural Ontario strong: hard work, innovation, community spirit, and a deep commitment to agriculture. We are proud to represent eastern Ontario’s rural communities and stand alongside the people who help feed our province, and the world, and drive our rural economy forward.”

— Chair Bonnie Clark

The Caucus extends its thanks to Minister Lisa Thompson, IPM Chair, farm hosts Tony and Joe Lang, and the more than 1,600 volunteers whose dedication and hard work helped make this year’s event a tremendous success.

The International Plowing Match is a proud showcase of rural Ontario, and a reminder of the vital role our agricultural communities play in our province’s economy and future.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus was pleased to attend the Ontario East Municipal Conference as a Bronze Sponsor.

As eastern Ontario’s leading economic development event, the conference brings together municipal decision-makers, industry leaders, and economic development professionals to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and help shape the region’s future.

With eastern Ontario’s population expected to grow by more than 36% by 2051, collaboration is essential to planning for sustainable growth while ensuring the resources and services residents rely on today continue to meet their needs.

Thank you to President TJ Flynn, Executive Director Jay Amer, and the entire Ontario East Economic Development Commission team for hosting an impactful event. The EOWC is proud to be part of the collective effort to support and strengthen the continued growth of eastern Ontario.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus has submitted its 2026 Canada Pre-Budget recommendations to the Department of Finance Canada, highlighting the importance of strong collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal governments to address the unique challenges facing rural and small urban communities.

The EOWC’s recommendations call for:

• Targeted federal funding to support rural and small municipalities.
• Strategic investment in eastern Ontario’s ports and the St. Lawrence Seaway to strengthen regional infrastructure and economic opportunities.
• Alignment between defence spending and local infrastructure investments to support communities and maximize regional benefits.
• Modernization of paramedic services through federal funding, coordination, and leadership.

These recommendations reflect the EOWC’s continued advocacy for investments that strengthen communities, support economic growth, and ensure eastern Ontario is well positioned to meet the needs of residents now and into the future.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus is pleased to announce Deloitte Inc. as our project partner to advance the Eastern Ontario Transformation Action Plan. Following a competitive procurement process, Deloitte will work with the EOWC to help deliver on this important regional initiative.

The EOWC is excited to begin this regional project and looks forward to engaging with municipal leaders, staff, and key economy-building partners over the coming months.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has sent a letter of support to the Government of Ontario in support of the EOWC's advocacy that the Ontario Government consider allowing municipalities to retain the 1.76% of the non-refundable portion of the HST, to be reallocated for infrastructure.

This change would provide local governments with additional resources to invest in critical infrastructure and help address Ontario’s estimated $200 billion infrastructure deficit. Learn more here.

AMO’s New Council Program: AMO’s Local Leadership Foundations

AMO has modernized its post‑election onboarding with Local Leadership Foundations, developed with the Institute on Governance and delivered by experienced municipal governance experts.

Guided by consultations with municipal associations, staff groups, and AMO’s Executive Committee, the program reflects what members need to lead with confidence.

Ontario 2026 Municipal Elections



Municipal elections within Ontario will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Visit the 2026 Voters' Guide to learn more about the municipal and school board elections, and visit Elections Ontario for information about your municipality's election.

OMAA 2026 Fall Conference



The OMAA 2026 Fall Conference will take place from October 7 to 9, 2026, in Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain.