The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is working on an economic development strategy to grow the regional economy.
The group’s strategic action plan will underline the region’s commitment to working together and speaking with one unified voice on critical economic issues in southwestern Ontario, states a press release from WOWC.
“A regional economic development action plan will explore the diverse needs of municipalities, identify common themes and set priorities. We want to focus our attention on issues and solutions with the biggest impact on economic growth,” said George Bridge, Chair of the caucus’ economic development committee.
A public request for proposal was issued earlier this year and Lauren Millier and MDB Insight have been selected to move the project forward. Over the next few months they will work closely with key economic development representatives from each jurisdiction to develop a three-year strategic action plan. A draft plan will be presented to the Wardens’ Caucus later this year.
In 2015, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne met with the Western Ontario Wardens and asked the region to speak with a single voice on economic issues. This approach has been successful in Eastern Ontario, the release explains.
The WOWC points out they already been effective moving forward important regional goals, most recently, developing the SWIFT Network initiative. SWIFT aims to connect the region with a high-speed fibre internet network.
In July, the federal and provincial governments announced they will each each provide $90 million towards the total cost of approximately $281 million to provide high speed fibre optic technology throughout southwestern Ontario.
The WOWC is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than three million residents. It is funded through a levy paid by member municipalities.
The caucus “aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal, provincial and legislation and programmes through advocacy, research and analysis and education,” the release states.
