April 2, 2026
Today the Ontario government introduced the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, which would give the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the authority to appoint Regional Chairs in eight of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions – including the regions of Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo and York – and grant them “strong chair” powers mirroring those granted to strong mayors. The legislation would also reduce the size of Regional Councils in Niagara Region and Simcoe County.
“Whatever process is used to select Regional Chairs, what matters is that they are strong advocates for what their communities and residents need,” says Karen Redman, Chair of MARCO and Chair of Waterloo Region.
“The services Regional governments provide keep people safe, healthy, housed, and connected to opportunity — and millions of Ontarians rely on them every day. We trust the Province will continue to appoint Regional leaders who are deeply connected to their communities and who will be strong local champions.”
Regional governments deliver essential programs and services that touch every stage of people’s lives – including high-quality drinking water, policing, regional roads, housing-enabling infrastructure, homelessness supports, social housing, long-term care homes, and public health.
MARCO members remain focused on what matters most: their residents, the services they depend on, and being a strong voice for what their communities need.
MARCO brings together the Chairs of Regional municipalities and Mayors of large, single-tier cities. Together, MARCO’s full membership represents over 10.6 million Ontarians and 75% of Ontario’s population.
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Contact: Margot Cragg, Executive Director, margot@marcontario.ca 519-505-2861