Regional Chair Information

The Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, received Royal Assent on May 7, 2026. The Minister has advised of plans to make an order under section 218.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, to appoint the next head of council of the Regional Municipality of York for the council term beginning November 15, 2026. 

The Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, is intended to better align shared provincial and municipal priorities and strengthen the governance tools available to support growth. Beginning on November 15, 2026, the appointed Chair would also be granted “strong chair” powers – a leadership model that mirrors the strong mayor framework. 

You can contact the region for additional information by visiting the York Region contact page. 

For Information regarding the Strong Mayor Framework, please see the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide, Chapter 10.

Individuals being considered for appointment as Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of York must be eligible to vote in a lower-tier municipality within the upper-tier municipality under section 17 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA) and be eligible to serve on council under sections 257 and 258 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

• A person is eligible to vote if, on voting day, they:
  • reside in the municipality or are the owner or tenant of land or spouse of such owner or tenant;
  • are a Canadian citizen;
  • are at least 18 years old; and
  • are not prohibited from voting under the MEA or otherwise by law.

• Individuals are not eligible for appointment if they are:
  • an employee, clerk, treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman, registrar for lobbying matters, closed meeting investigator, or other holder of an administrative position of the municipality, unless they have taken a leave of absence;
  • a judge of any court;
  • a member of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly or of Canada’s Senate or House of Commons; or
  • a public servant within the meaning of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, unless authorized by the public servant’s ethics executive.

• Individuals are expected to possess exemplary leadership skills and should demonstrate the following competencies and experience:
  • previous elected political experience and a strong understanding of regional and provincial priorities, including those specific to the upper-tier municipality to which they are applying;
  • civic engagement and stakeholder management skills;
  • innovative with experience leading major change initiatives in large organizations;
  • effective communicator with proven ability to act as a facilitator and build trust;
  • commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers/stakeholders; and
  • decisive and strategic thinker.

Individuals interested in being considered for the Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer position must apply through the Public Appointments web page on the Ontario Government’s website. Applicants must first create a profile on this site and then select the position to which they wish to apply. Applications close on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and invited to participate in an interview.