The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) has announced Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County, as its Chair for 2025 and Steve Ferguson, Mayor of Prince Edward County, as Vice-Chair.
The announcement was made at the caucus’s annual inaugural meeting held in Kingston on January 9 and 10.
“It is an honour to lead the EOWC during such a pivotal time,” said Clark. “Our focus this year is on advancing priorities like infrastructure, housing, and health care to benefit the 103 municipalities and 800,000 residents we represent.”
Ferguson echoed the sentiment, adding, “I look forward to working alongside Chair Clark to support partnerships that address the needs of our small-urban and rural communities.”
The meeting welcomed Ontario Ministers Paul Calandra and Lisa Thompson, along with regional MPs and MPPs. Both ministers praised the EOWC for its leadership and commitment to growth in Eastern Ontario.
The caucus also reaffirmed its 2024-2027 strategic plan, which outlines priorities designed to strengthen municipal services and community well-being. The EOWC will participate in the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto, focusing on partnerships with the provincial government to address economic and social challenges.
The EOWC, a non-profit advocating for rural municipalities across 50,000 square kilometres, has been championing regional priorities for over 20 years.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
