WOWC was proud to take part in the Federal Rural Development Roundtable, held at the University of Guelph, alongside ROMA, rural leaders, Indigenous partners, and post-secondary institutions from across Southern Ontario. Our thanks to Ms. Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development) for the invitation to attend.

This roundtable was an opportunity for rural stakeholders to engage directly in shaping a renewed federal rural development strategy. The session focused on productive and action-oriented discussions drawing from local experiences and successes.

These conversations are vital for sharing the real challenges and opportunities our communities face, and for highlighting what works on the ground. From infrastructure to local innovation, it’s clear that collaboration between all levels of government, industry, and local partners is key to building stronger, more resilient rural communities.

We look forward to continuing these discussions and working together to ensure sustainable growth across Western Ontario.

In late November 2025, WOWC submitted four substantial responses to critical provincial consultations — offering a united voice on behalf of our 15 counties and 117 municipalities across rural Western Ontario. Through these submissions, WOWC reiterated its commitment to enabling growth and housing while safeguarding rural infrastructure, municipal capacity, and environmental health.

WOWC Submission to Implementing Reforms to the Development Charges Framework (Regulatory Registry Posting 52308 / 25-MMAH030)

WOWC Submission to Proposed Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997 (Regulatory Registry Posting 52054 / 25-MMAH018)

WOWC Submission to Consultation on Simplifying and Standardizing Official Plans (ERO 025-1099)

WOWC Submission to Proposed Changes to the Planning Act – Bill 60, Schedule 10 (ERO 025-1097)

WOWC Submission to Policy Proposal on Additional Sewage Systems for On-Farm Worker Housing (025-0899)

Overall, WOWC’s submissions balance a clear endorsement of growth, housing, and economic development — particularly in light of major investments in clean energy and electric-vehicle sectors — with firm demands for municipal autonomy, fiscal sustainability, rural-appropriate policy design, and environmental protection.

The Town of Hanover and the Municipality of West Grey are pleased to announce agreement in-principle to adjust boundary lines between the two municipalities and to proceed with next steps under the Municipal Act, 2001 to establish a Boundary Adjustment Agreement for both Councils’ consideration.

During this term of Council, representatives from both municipalities have been engaged in discussions to consider growth and prosperity in Hanover and West Grey, with the goal of moving development forward for the mutual benefit of ratepayers in both municipalities.

The proposed “Mutual Prosperity” boundary adjustment will encourage more investment and economic opportunities, including new employment options, more housing accommodations, and increased assessment for the region, while aligning with provincial growth targets.

The proposed “mutual prosperity” lands encompass approximately 1,600 acres that would be transferred from West Grey to Hanover. In exchange for the transfer of lands, Hanover will provide financial compensation to West Grey in the amount of $10 million, paid over a period of 20 years.

Further information, including full map and a list of properties considered in the boundary adjustment, as well as a list of frequently asked questions can be found on www.westgrey.com/boundaryadjustment and www.hanover.ca/boundaryadjustment.

Middlesex County was pleased to welcome five high school students from across the County as “Warden for a Day” on November 4, 2025. The initiative offered an engaging, hands-on opportunity for local students to experience municipal government in action and learn about the important role County Council plays in supporting Middlesex communities.

The day’s agenda included a welcome and mock swearing-in ceremony, a “Who We Are” presentation, and a guided tour of the Middlesex County Administration Building and the historic Middlesex County Gaol. Students also participated in job shadowing sessions with various departments including Forestry and Natural Heritage, Library Services, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, and Economic Development and Tourism. Later in the day, students sat down with Warden Ropp to discuss the challenges and rewards of municipal leadership, followed by the opportunity to observe an official Middlesex County Council meeting. This provided students with a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made that shape services and support residents across the County.

“Our young people are the future of our communities. By engaging students through initiatives like Warden for a Day, we’re helping them see the impact they can have and encouraging them to take an active role in shaping Middlesex County’s future.” – Warden Brian Ropp

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Grey County is expanding the award-winning Supportive Outreach Services (SOS) program with new funding from Health Canada and continued investment from Ontario Health West. The expansion means SOS will now operate seven days a week, significantly increasing access to life-saving harm reduction services and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues.

The new funding will allow Grey County to grow the outreach team by hiring additional harm reduction counsellors, peer support workers with lived experience, and staff with Indigenous knowledge. A new outreach vehicle arriving in December will enable mobile drug checking and expanded harm reduction education.

SOS meets people where they are to provide medical care, mental health and addiction counselling, harm reduction supplies, basic needs, and support navigating health and social services. A dedicated meeting space at the Safe 'N Sound Shelter will provide a hub for outreach and community engagement.

The program is supported by more than 25 community partners, including Brightshores Health System, Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce, United Way of Bruce Grey, Grey County, Safe 'N Sound, OSHaRE, Grey Bruce Public Health Unit, and municipalities across Grey County.

SOS has transformed how Grey County supports its most vulnerable residents. Since launching in 2021, SOS has provided over 12,000 services to vulnerable community members. The program serves approximately 100 individuals at any given time, many of whom would not access care through conventional pathways.

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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has finalized an agreement to purchase the former St. Ursula Catholic School property at 426 Lacroix Street in Chatham, securing more than 4.4 acres of centrally located land to support future affordable and attainable housing development.

The property, which will be purchased from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for $1,699,999, will be funded entirely through the Municipality’s Affordable Housing Reserve using dollars received from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund.

“This acquisition positions Chatham-Kent to take real, concrete steps toward expanding our supply of affordable housing,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “Having shovel-ready sites is essential as we compete for federal and provincial funding opportunities. This investment allows us to move forward with purpose and urgency.”

The existing school building, which is currently vacant, will be demolished. Administration will issue a tender for demolition and site preparation work, funded from the Affordable Housing Reserve. The Municipality will maintain the property at an estimated $5,000 annually until redevelopment proceeds.

“With over four acres available in a highly accessible location, this site provides a significant opportunity to address local housing needs,” said Ray Harper, Director of Municipal Housing and Property Development. “We’ve already heard strong interest from both non-profit and private housing providers.”



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