FILE – Sign outside County of Simcoe Administration Building in Midhurst, Ont.
Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs is suggesting that a group of regional council chairs be appointed with added powers, similar to the strong mayors model the government has previously introduced.
This decision comes after an attempt by the former chair of Niagara Region to explore merging municipalities in that area, which Premier Doug Ford has expressed support for.
The mayors from the largest cities in Niagara have shown their backing for amalgamation, but most of the 12 mayors in Niagara were against it, a condition set by Ford for moving forward.
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The legislation presented today by Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack would enable him to introduce weighted voting at Niagara Regional council, reduce its size from 32 members down to 13, and appoint regional chairs directly in areas like Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo, York and Simcoe County.
The proposed bill would also grant these appointed chairs “strong chair” authority which includes hiring or firing the chief administrative officer and heads of divisions, directing staff operations, vetoing certain bylaws and suggesting the municipal budget.
“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,” said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke in a statement. “This reduction in the size of council, which was previously recommended by county council advances our ongoing efforts to be responsive and cost-efficient for residents while continuing to ensure strong local decision-making at county council through the leadership of our 16 lower-tier mayors and representatives from separated cities (Barrie/Orillia).
Clarke added that with growth in regional services comes a strong need for a full-time head of council who can focus on community interests daily.
“These changes will help strengthen our ability to service our growing region effectively,” Clarke added.
The provincial government has already granted strong mayor powers to heads of councils across 216 municipalities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first April 2, 2026.
Files – Barrie 360
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