The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus is working on an economic development strategy to grow the regional economy. The 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.

''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 Western Ontario Wardens' 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 the Premier of Ontario 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 WOWC have 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.

source: media release, County of Grey