Ontario appoints eight regional chairs with expanded powers

Ontario appointed eight regional chairs on November 10, 2026, under a law that gives the province authority to select leaders in six regions, Muskoka District and Simcoe County. The appointees are also due to receive expanded powers over municipal budgets, senior staff and certain bylaws, with the rules scheduled to take effect November 15.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack announced the appointments under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026. The chairs are Kevin Ashe in Durham, Ann Mulvale in Halton, Frank Campion in Niagara, Nando Iannicca in Peel, Scott Davey in Waterloo, Steven Del Duca in York, Scott Aitchison in Muskoka District and Don McIsaac in Simcoe County.

Ontario says the expanded authority is intended to help regional governments advance housing and infrastructure work and coordinate decisions with provincial priorities. The powers include authority related to budgets and senior municipal staffing, as well as vetoes over certain bylaws. Provincial guidance says the rules will apply to the eight jurisdictions beginning November 15.

The appointments change how chairs are selected in several municipalities. Before the legislation, Durham, Halton and...