District of Muskoka agrees to try to work alongside the Better Regional Governance Act

Bill 100 will allow the province to appoint a Chair of Muskoka District Council

The District of Muskoka agreed to try to work alongside the Better Regional Governance Act (Bill 100), in the May 19, 2026, Council meeting.

Councillor, Tatiana Sutherland, requested that they put together a motion requesting that the District be granted permission to be a part of the discussion for selecting a Chair.

The request comes from the recent response from the government declining the request that Muskoka be exempted from the new Bill given the uniqueness of the economy and environment compared to other provincial municipalities.

Sutherland said, “I’m disappointed…in the response received from Minister Flack,” the Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, and described the “one size fits all” Bill as restrictive to doing work in Muskoka.

She expressed her intention “to work with the Ministry regarding ways we can help guide the selection if they appoint a Chair - a selection criteria that keeps accountability local.”

She added, "I will continue to fight for what’s right to Muskoka,” which will include continuing to work closely with local colleagues.

Councillor, Rick Maloney, expressed appreciation for her efforts with and the original resolution requesting the exemption. However, he added, “I don’t think a resolution is the way to move in the next steps.” He suggested they create “more concrete suggestions and questions,” involving areas such as the selection criteria process that will be used, and making recommendations emphasizing the importance of choosing someone local to Muskoka.

Councillor, Peter Kelley, suggested they “not fight this fight alone.” He expressed, “Constituents are angry” and indicated the District should encourage them to express their concerns to the Province and MPP.

Councillor, Peter Koetsier, indicated that he has heard from constituents as well, and “the use of the word disappointed would be an understatement.”

He questioned why they’re “bothering with municipal elections,” given that other areas including school boards are “being appointed and controlled, being told what to think…” He added, “I don’t think this is a direction we want to go… Controlled by the province is where we’re headed.”

Other Council member suggestions included involving the community and joining forces with other municipalities.

Councillor, Heidi Lorenz, indicated that they “should be concerned about what the Chair can do,” such as override Council decisions.”

She added,” We also have to address what is the scope of their powers… To me, that’s the real threat, is that one person is making the decisions for the entire community.”

Sutherland suggested they create an “organized format to receive input,” and said she will work with staff to create this.

She added that residents and constituents “expect us not to just drop this and roll over.”