‘I am confident that our next term of council will continue to govern very effectively under this new model,’ says Ramara mayor/warden of Simcoe County
Following a request from the county warden, Simcoe County council might be cut down from 32 members to 17, potentially starting after the municipal election in October.
The proposed legislation announced today states that 16 of the councillors will be the mayors of member municipalities, while the 17th member will be a provincial appointee to fill the warden’s role. (This legislation still needs approval at Queen’s Park)
The new warden is set to receive enhanced chair powers, similar to those given to strong mayors. The provincial legislation also suggests appointed chairs (Wardens) for Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo and York alongside Simcoe County. All eight of these chairs would gain increased authority.
“Simcoe County is the largest and one of the fastest growing counties in Ontario and an important municipal partner for our government,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson in a news release. He indicated that these changes would help make Simcoe County more responsive and efficient. “We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the county and serve the residents of Simcoe.”
A year ago, councillors from County of Simcoe supported modifying the structure of county council from 32 representatives (including the warden) down to 16 representatives plus a full-time appointed warden. Following this, according to Municipal Act guidelines, municipalities were asked to consent to this bylaw which ultimately resulted in a tie-eight member municipalities voted for it while eight opposed it.
While they didn’t fully meet all requirements under Municipal Act’s triple majority rule, two out of three conditions were satisfied. This included approval from county council on the bylaw and support from member municipalities representing a majority of voters in Simcoe County who backed this change.
In response, council passed a resolution through a weighted vote directing the warden to send a letter requesting provincial intervention so that their composition by-law could be validated even though they didn’t completely fulfill all “triple majority” requirements outlined in the Municipal Act.
In a statement released on Thursday, current Warden Basil Clarke mentioned that this change helps advance county council’s ongoing efforts toward being responsive and cost-effective for its residents.
“We thank Premier Ford and Minister (Rob) Flack for their decision and direction,” said Clarke. “While our governance model has served the county effectively for many decades, there is recognition that further streamlining decision-making will better support the needs of our communities.”
“I am confident that our next term of council will continue to govern very effectively under this new model,” he said.
The province’s Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 has not yet been passed.
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