The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Western Ontario Municipal Conference (WOMC) will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Guelph, Ontario. Building on the momentum of the past two years, the conference will once again bring together municipal leaders, policymakers, industry partners, and community organizations from across the region for a full day of learning, collaboration, and networking.
The conference has quickly become one of the premier gatherings for municipal leadership in Western Ontario. The renewed event has drawn strong participation since its return, welcoming hundreds of attendees and dozens of speakers to explore shared priorities and practical solutions for rural and small urban communities.
A Special Keynote: The Honourable Bob Rae
We are especially excited to welcome The Honourable Bob Rae as the 2026 keynote speaker. A respected national and international voice on public policy and diplomacy, Mr. Rae brings decades of experience in government, global affairs, and leadership.
It has been ten years since Mr. Rae last spoke at a municipal event in Western Ontario, and we are honoured to welcome him back to the region. His perspective on governance, economic resilience, and Canada’s place in a rapidly changing world will provide a timely and thought-provoking opening to the day’s discussions.
Program Highlights
The 2026 program will feature a series of engaging keynote sessions, expert panels, and breakout streams focused on the issues that matter most to municipalities across Western Ontario. Building on the successful programming model used in recent conferences, sessions will be organized around five key themes:
- Infrastructure – addressing the growing need for sustainable investment in water, wastewater, transportation, and community infrastructure.
- Housing – exploring solutions to increase housing supply and improve affordability across rural and small urban communities.
- Workforce – examining strategies to attract, retain, and develop talent to support regional growth.
- Economic Development – highlighting opportunities for innovation, investment, and regional competitiveness.
- Mental Health Support Services – discussing collaborative approaches to strengthening mental health and addictions services in communities.
Previous conferences featured dynamic breakout streams and expert-led discussions on housing, workforce development, mental health, and economic growth—creating opportunities for municipalities to share best practices and innovative solutions.