On behalf of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), we would like to welcome the following new Wardens to our Caucus;

Warden Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County

Warden Janet Horner, Dufferin County

Warden Grant Jones, Elgin County

Warden Andrea Matrosovs , Grey County

Warden Jamie Heffer, Huron County

Warden Brian Ropp, Middlesex County

Warden Doug Kellum, Perth County

Warden Chris White , Wellington County

Wardens returning to the Caucus for 2025 include;

Mayor David Bailey, Brant County

Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent

Warden Hilda MacDonald, Essex County

Warden Kevin Marriott, Lambton County

Mayor Amy Martin, Norfolk County

Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County

Warden Basil Clarke, Simcoe County

Wellington County launched a Home Child Care Provider Recruitment Campaign from July 1 to August 31 in an effort to recruit new licensed home child care providers in Wellington County and the City of Guelph.

In March 2020, Wellington Home Child Care had 45 active providers in Wellington County and the City of Guelph. During the COVID-19 pandemic this number declined to 27 by 2022.

The 2-month campaign significantly boosted engagement and awareness, driving over 13,000 clicks and 3,140 unique users to www.wellington.ca/homechildcare

The campaign’s reach across various platforms, including radio, social media, digital banner ads, bus shelters, print ads, library screen ads, posters, and event booths, effectively supported the expansion of licensed home child care options for families.

Supported through this campaign, the number of new Wellington Home Child Care providers is expected to increase by 18, leading to an anticipated total of 54 active homes by the end of the 2024. Each licensed home care programme may provide care for up to 6 children under the age of 13. The addition of 18 homes increases access to licensed child care by up to 108 spaces in Wellington County and the City of Guelph.

The Ontario government is providing Norfolk County with up to $116,050 through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, to develop the Future Ready Norfolk business retention and expansion project.

The Future Ready Norfolk project will enable Norfolk County to revitalize the local economy through engagement with local businesses, to help identify challenges and opportunities for growth and sustainability. The project includes targeted training and educational workshops for businesses on diversity, equity and inclusion, and initiatives to support newcomers with employment and community resources.

“Our government values rural communities throughout the province, and the RED program provides municipalities, small towns, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “This program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”



Businesses will also be engaged in the project through surveys, promotional strategies and training initiatives across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and retail services. In addition, regional partnerships will be utilized to address labour force challenges and strengthen relationships with businesses and non-governmental organizations.

View the full press release



Construction is underway on Extendicare’s new 128-bed long-term care home in Port Stanley. This project was a recipient of the Construction Funding Subsidy top-up, part of the Ontario government’s commitment to build 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds across the province.



“Congratulations to Extendicare Port Stanley on the redevelopment of their home. Our government is fixing long-term care by building capacity where Ontarians need it,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Today marks a significant milestone for Port Stanley. When construction is complete, 128 residents will have a safe and modern place to call home.”

Extendicare Port Stanley will add 68 new and 60 redeveloped long-term care beds to the community and is expected to welcome its first residents in early 2027.

The home will consist of a two-storey building with four 32-bed resident home areas (RHA). RHAs are designed to create a more intimate and familiar living space for up to 32 residents each, with dining and activity areas, lounges and bedrooms. Each RHA will feature a dining area, outdoor space, a lounge, and an activity room for all residents. Areas for visitors will include a guests’ lounge, a country kitchen, and private dining space. The second floor will include a hair salon, chapel, and a physiotherapy support area for all residents.



“I am pleased to announce the start of construction at Extendicare Port Stanley,” said MPP Rob Flack. “Our government is committed to accelerating the construction of long-term care homes, ensuring that our community's seniors receive the care and support they deserve.”

View the full press release

Invest WindsorEssex is announcing over $3.8 million in funding to launch the Battery Boost: Technical Training for Battery Manufacturing Careers program. This regional program is funded through Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills with funding from the Government of Canada, and is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. 

The Battery Boost program is an innovative technical training initiative designed to equip individuals with skills for battery manufacturing careers. Targeting laid-off workers or those seeking a career shift, this program provides an opportunity to transition into the growing battery manufacturing industry. Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and advanced training simulators, participants gain hands-on, practical experience to ensure job-readiness. 

The program will run from February 2025 to March 2026 and will provide training to over 400 participants. Training will take place at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre. The specialized curriculum with be created in collaboration with NextStar Energy who will leverage proprietary information essential to the battery manufacturing process. Program partner, Virtualware will develop and deliver immersive VR training modules in a new custom VR room designed for hands-on-training, all powered by their award-winning enterprise XR platform VIROO.

Individuals interested in taking advantage of the excellent opportunities offered by the Battery Boost program, or who are interested in submitting an application, are encouraged to visit webatteryboost.com for detailed information and resources.