Huron County, Ontario – The County of Huron congratulates Warden Glen McNeil, who has been appointed Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), as well as Councillor and former Huron County Warden, Jim Ginn, who has been appointed Chair of the WOWC Economic Development Committee. Both McNeil and Ginn have been active members of WOWC for multiple years. They will hold these current positions until January 2025.
“I am honoured and humbled to have been placed in the position of Chair, to represent Western Ontario, and I look forward to continue advancing the objectives and advocacy of the WOWC,” stated Huron County Warden and WOWC Chair, Glen McNeil. “2023 will be a critical year for the WOWC in terms of advancing its priorities and implementing its projects, particularly with diversifying our housing stock, attracting a skilled workforce and addressing mental health and addictions issues in our communities.”
“Regional Economic Development is absolutely vital in rural communities,” said Huron County Councillor Jim Ginn. “It is critical that we have systems and processes in place that support collaboration on regional initiatives. I’m eager to help foster this type of collaboration in Southwestern Ontario in my role as Chair of the WOWC Economic Development Committee.”
Both McNeil and Ginn assumed their positions after they were elected by acclamation during the organization’s Annual General Meeting held at the Elm Hurst Inn, Ingersoll on Friday, January 13, 2023. Committee membership will also include the following Wardens and Past-Mayors: Cathy Burghardt- Jesson (Middlesex), Basil Clarke (Simcoe), Alison Warwick (Thames – Centre) and supported by WOWC member CAOs, Regional Partners and Economic Development specialist staff.
About the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC)
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization that represents 15 upper and single tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, including more than three million residents. The purpose of the WOWC is to advocate and engage with other levels of government as one united voice on opportunities, common needs and issues of critical importance to Southwestern Ontario.
Quick Facts
- WOWC is a united front in the province of Ontario representing over 20% of the population of the province.
- WOWC us a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single tier municipalities in approximately 300 communities.
- The Western region covers almost half a million square kilometers of territory, more than 90% of it rural including, approximately 25,000 kilometers of roads, more than 3,000 bridges and 24,000 culverts.
- WOWC advocates on behalf of the member Counties on key items such as; infrastructure, transportation, long term care, broadband, and economic development.