Chatham-Kent’s mayor, along with leaders from across the region, have been bending the ear of provincial politicians.
Mayor Darrin Canniff joined other members of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus at Queen’s Park this week, meeting with Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs; Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure; and Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries.
The discussions focused on infrastructure needed for housing growth, responding to Ontario’s homelessness crisis, and transit for rural and small urban communities.
“Western Ontario communities are ready to support growth, but we need the right tools in place to do it,” said WOWC Chair Marcus Ryan in a news release. “Our focus is on practical, targeted solutions that will help deliver housing, strengthen essential services, and ensure people can move throughout the region to access jobs and opportunities.”
Officials say the meetings also touched on the alignment of infrastructure planning, energy needs, and broadband expansion, recognizing their role in enabling economic development and supporting sustainable community growth across the region.
“We are committed to continuing this work with the Province to ensure policies and investments reflect the realities of rural and small urban communities, and support long-term, sustainable growth across Western Ontario,” Ryan added.