Joint Statement from Regional Municipal Leaders

Strong regional partnerships matter now more than ever.

Today, leaders from London, Middlesex County, Strathroy-Caradoc, St. Thomas and Southwold met at London City Hall to discuss the growing economic challenges facing our region, and reaffirm our shared commitment to working together on solutions.

Trade uncertainty continues to impact the Canadian economy, and these impacts are being felt acutely across Southwestern Ontario. Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that several Census Metropolitan Areas in our region are now among those with the highest unemployment rates in the country. These concerning numbers reinforce the importance of coordinated, immediate action to protect workers and families, support employers, and ensure we remain a top destination for growth and opportunity.

“Investment in institutions, such as Western University, are key to driving our regional economy in a positive direction. Western is one of our biggest employers, and they’re creating even more jobs through capital projects. When we sit and reflect on the numbers, we can’t lose sight of the potential and opportunity in front of us.”

– Warden Susan Clarke, Middlesex County

First, we want to acknowledge and appreciate the critical work undertaken by both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada to address tariff impacts and prepare for upcoming CUSMA negotiations. However, we must take immediate steps to support our communities.
In a challenging job market, infrastructure investment plays a vital role in sustaining local employment while building the foundation for long-term growth. As municipal leaders, we are committed to maintaining the flow of local infrastructure spending to support construction jobs and generate positive economic spin-offs across our communities. We stand steadfast in our commitment to moving forward on projects that are necessary to meet the needs of our growing communities, unhindered by global realities.

U.S. tariffs are driving up municipal construction costs, now exacerbated by rising gas prices. Municipalities cannot use existing federal and provincial infrastructure funding to cover these cost escalations; however, we are committed to keeping these in-flight projects on track, protecting local jobs.

“I greatly appreciate that we are taking time to coordinate our strategy and advocacy efforts. A collective approach to regional representation is key, not only to the future of Southwestern Ontario, but our ability to engage multiple levels of government. Steps like this are vital to addressing the concerns of our residents across the region.”

– Mayor Colin Grantham, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc

Second, we recognize that the scale of today’s challenges requires a regional approach and collective advocacy. We are committing to closer collaboration to better understand the impacts of trade uncertainty across our region, and more strategic consideration of infrastructure, transportation, and economic development investments that have the potential to deliver shared benefits.

Our region continues to attract significant global investment - from PowerCo, to Andriani, to Vianode - because of our highly skilled workforce, exceptional quality of life, access to dual-source fresh water, reliable energy, and integrated transportation networks. We will continue working together to promote these advantages, attract new partners, support expansion, and ensure the world understands the strength of our regional economy.
This collaborative approach is already delivering results. Our recent partnership helped secure Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) support to sustain and expand the Middlesex County Connect regional bus service - an important step in enabling residents to live in one community and work in another, strengthening our regional labour market.

“Infrastructure projects are not only important to meet the modern needs of growing communities, they keep people working. That said, it is difficult for a township to carry a debt load for necessary services without the combined voice of our regional partners. This sort of collaboration is meaningful and sends a message that we are not alone. I look forward to continued discussions on how we can protect jobs and deliver for families.”

– Mayor Grant Jones, Township of Southwold

Third, we jointly call on the provincial and federal governments to continue strengthening their partnership with municipalities by accelerating infrastructure funding programs so that projects can move forward as soon as possible. Getting shovels in the ground quickly is essential to supporting jobs and maintaining economic momentum.

We are already seeing the tangible benefits of these investments. In Central Elgin, Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems (HEWS) funding has enabled four construction crews - employing approximately 40 workers - to advance critical water infrastructure projects that will unlock new housing opportunities. In London, Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Funding (DMAF) is allowing for infrastructure upgrades that will build the city’s resilience against natural disasters while currently employing 30-40 construction-related workers, in addition to 15-20 planning and design consultants over the last 3 years.

“We’ve had great success internationally attracting investment to our region. By working together, we can strengthen Southwestern Ontario’s economy and build our region’s resilience in the face of trade uncertainty. It will require strong advocacy and strategic thinking, but that path is easier when we walk it together.”

– Mayor Joe Preston, City of St. Thomas

In addition to advancing projects already underway, our municipalities have a strong pipeline of shovel-ready, trade-enabling infrastructure projects that could be accelerated to boost construction activity, stimulate Ontario’s economy, and create jobs in the near term.
We look forward to fostering this partnership with both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to advance strategic investments in our region and better align projects for greater impact. While unemployment rates present a real and immediate challenge, our region has also experienced a net gain of over 30,000 jobs in recent years. With coordinated planning and a collective voice, we can fully leverage the strategic assets that make our region competitive.

“Today’s discussion underscored the strength of a united regional approach. This is not the time to sit back and wait. Together we are taking deliberate steps to protect workers, support families, and attract the kinds of investments that strengthen our communities and keep them working. This collaboration will build meaningful change, helping us meet today’s challenges and position our region for opportunities ahead.”

– Mayor Josh Morgan, City of London

Together, we remain focused on supporting our workers, strengthening our economy, and building a resilient future for Southwestern Ontario.

Signed,

Mayor Josh Morgan, City of London
Warden Susan Clarke, Middlesex County
Mayor Colin Grantham, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc
Mayor Joe Preston, City of St. Thomas
Mayor Grant Jones, Township of Southwold