On International Women’s Day, a historic moment was celebrated for municipal leadership in Ontario. For the first time, all major municipal associations in the province are chaired by women, demonstrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in local government.
The women at the helm of Ontario’s municipal organizations include:
- Mayor Amy Martin, Chair, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC);
- Mayor Robin Jones, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO);
- Mayor Christa Lowry, Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA);
- Warden Bonnie Clarke, Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC);
- Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Chair, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM);
- Chair Karen Redman, Chair, Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO); and
- Mayor Wendy Landry, President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
This unprecedented leadership milestone is further supported by a strong network of dedicated women who provide strategic direction and operational support to these organizations, including:
- Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director (WOWC);
- Lindsay Jones, Director of Policy and Government Relations (AMO);
- Petra Wolfbeiss, Director, AMO Membership Centre (ROMA);
- Meredith Staveley-Watson, Director of Government Relations and Policy (EOWC);
- Michelle Baker, Executive Director (OBCM); and
- Margot Cragg, Executive Director (MARCO).
Together, these women are shaping the future of municipalities across Ontario, advocating for strong local governance, and ensuring that communities—both rural and urban—are equipped to thrive.
The contributions of women in municipal leadership are recognized, as well as the impact they continue to make in building strong, vibrant, and sustainable communities.
(News submitted by the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus)