A sweeping overhaul of regional governance in Ontario has been proposed, promising efficiency but carrying a hidden cost: a significant erosion of local democracy.
The Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, aims to reshape the political landscape in regions like Niagara and Simcoe, fundamentally altering how decisions are made that impact hundreds of thousands of residents.
Currently, regional councils are comprised of both lower-tier mayors and directly elected regional councillors. The proposed legislation would eliminate the role of the regional councillor entirely, leaving only the mayors of lower-tier municipalities to represent the region.
The government argues this streamlined approach, with fewer elected officials, will lead to greater efficiency. Giving each mayor a weighted vote based on their municipality’s population seems logical on the surface.
However, the core issue lies in a parallel change: the proposed shift from elected to appointed regional chairs. For decades, these crucial leadership positions have been filled either by direct voter choice or by elected council members.
The regional chair acts as both head of council and chief executive officer, overseeing vital regional services and governance. To place this power in the hands of someone never directly chosen by the people is a dramatic departure from established practice.
These appointed chairs will be selected by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, raising concerns about potential political influence and accountability. The perception of being answerable to the provincial government, rather than the electorate, is unavoidable.
Adding to these concerns, the proposed legislation grants these appointed chairs expansive new powers, mirroring the “strong mayor” powers already granted to many city mayors across the province.
These powers include control over the regional budget, the ability to hire and fire key staff, and significant influence over bylaws and council committees – all wielded by an unelected official.
While efficiency and faster decision-making are touted as benefits, they are overshadowed by the loss of democratic legitimacy. Decisions impacting communities will be made by individuals not accountable to those communities.
The justification offered – savings for taxpayers and expedited processes – rings hollow when weighed against the fundamental principle of representative government. Ontarians deserve leaders they choose themselves.
The move to concentrate significant power in the hands of unelected officials should be a cause for concern for all citizens. It represents a substantial step backwards for local democracy in Ontario.
A revision of this legislation is crucial. Streamlining regional councils is a reasonable goal, but the appointment of regional chairs must be abandoned in favor of a system that upholds the principles of democratic accountability.
