The Ontario government has proposed legislation to change how regional governments function in some of the province’s fastest-growing areas.
The proposed changes would allow the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to appoint upper-tier council chairs in the District of Muskoka, along with Durham Region, Halton Region, Niagara Region, Peel Region, Waterloo Region, York Region, and Simcoe County.
“Strong regional leadership is essential to get more homes built and reduce costs in communities like Muskoka and across Ontario,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith. “Our government is taking steps to ensure regional governments, like the District of Muskoka, can move forward with a clear vision and streamlined processes that better serve residents and taxpayers. Managing growth while protecting the unique character of our area will always remain paramount.”
Provincial officials say inconsistent methods for chair selection, growing regional council sizes, and potential misalignment between provincial and municipal priorities are slowing decision-making at a time when Ontario needs decisive action in the face of economic threats.
According to provincial officials, if passed, the legislation would help local leaders speed up decision-making, reduce costs for municipal taxpayers, and improve alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities.
Currently, the Muskoka District Chair is elected by District councillors, but under the proposed Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, the province would appoint the Chair for the 2026–2030 council term, granting them “strong chair” powers to advance government priorities such as housing and infrastructure.
“From setting up organizational structures, to proposing by-laws to help advance provincial priorities such as building more homes, we have already seen strong mayors put their powers into action in a way that benefits their communities and Ontario as a whole,” said provincial officials.
Officials said all regions must review their council composition following the 2026 municipal election.
The legislation, also known as Bill 100, was presented at Queen’s Park for a first reading on April 2. It is currently awaiting a second reading.
