The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is raising serious concerns about provincial changes to regional governance, warning that new powers to appoint regional chairs risk weakening local democracy and accountability.
In a recent letter to Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, AMO expressed opposition to provisions in Bill 100 Better Regional Governance Act that would allow the province to appoint regional chairs, including positions such as the Warden of Simcoe County and the Chair of the District of Muskoka.
Under the proposed approach, regional heads of council would no longer be guaranteed to be elected directly by local councils or the public, but could instead be selected through provincial authority.
AMO criticized these changes, saying in the letter that they “weaken accountability to voters and erode the trust underpinning our democracy.”
“Furthermore,” AMO adds, “they undermine the ability of councils to represent the interests of their residents, move forward on local priorities, and deliver effective services.”
AMO’s letter warns the change is part of a broader pattern of centralizing decision-making at Queen’s Park, reducing the autonomy of municipalities.
The organization says this shift risks eroding public trust and limiting councils’ ability to reflect local priorities in areas such as infrastructure, housing, and service delivery.
AMO is urging the province to reconsider the move and maintain a system where regional chairs are selected through local democratic processes.
The organization says keeping leadership local is essential to ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance across Ontario’s regional municipalities—including Niagara.
Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
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