Ontario Appoints 8 Regional Chairs with 'Strong Mayor' Powers
The Ford government says the chairs will gain budget and staffing powers to speed housing and infrastructure projects across eight upper-tier municipalities.
- On Tuesday, the Ontario government appointed eight regional chairs across Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Simcoe County, Waterloo, and York, granting them expanded powers over budgets, staffing, and municipal decisions.
- The Ford government extended so-called 'strong mayor' powers to regional roles as part of an effort to accelerate housing construction and infrastructure development across Ontario's fastest-growing communities.
- Among the appointments, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison was named Muskoka District chair, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca selected for York Region, Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe for Durham Region, and Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac for Simcoe County.
- The Association of Municipalities of Ontario opposed the plan, arguing municipal leaders should be elected by voters and warning that provincially appointed chairs with 'strong chair' powers could weaken local democracy.
- Scott Aitchison intends to resign his House of Commons seat by the end of November and will assume the Muskoka District chair position on Dec. 1, 2026.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Ford government appoints new regional chairs in 8 municipalities including Niagara and Halton
The Ford Government continues to exercise direct control of the municipal sector with the announcement of its appointment of the chairs of eight regional municipalities including Halton and Niagara. Former Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale becomes Halton’s Regional Chair and Frank Campion who served as Welland mayor up to this year will Chair Niagara Region. Ann […] The post Ford government appoints new regional chairs in 8 municipalities including Nia…
Ontario appoints 8 regional chairs with 'strong mayor' powers
The Ontario government has appointed the heads of council for eight upper-tier municipalities, handing them enhanced governance powers as part of the province’s ongoing push to accelerate housing construction and infrastructure development.
The Toronto Star
The Hamilton SpectatorDoug Ford appoints regional chairs, including Scott Aitchison and Steven Del Duca
Ford's government announced Tuesday the long-awaited appointments of chairs in York, Peel, Durham, Halton, Niagara and Waterloo regions, as well as Muskoka District and Simcoe County.
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