Huntsville Council backs District request to oppose provincially appointed Chair

Mayor Alcock says that although Muskoka’s current system for selecting a chair is not ideal, it at least ensures the chair is chosen by District Councillors

Huntsville Council backed the District of Muskoka request to oppose provincially appointed Chair during the April 27, 2026, meeting.

Council approved a letter from the Town’s Mayor, Nancy Alcock, Township of Lake of Bays Mayor, Terry Glover, and Muskoka Lakes Mayor, Peter Kelley, supporting the District of Muskoka's request to the province to be exempt from proposed changes under the Better Regional Governance Act (Bill 100).

The letter echoes a resolution passed by District Council on April 20, where councillors unanimously asked the province to allow Muskoka to continue appointing its own District Chair, rather than having the position filled through provincial appointment.

In its correspondence to Premier Doug Ford and provincial ministers, the District reaffirmed its commitment to working with the province on shared priorities such as housing supply, infrastructure delivery, and development efficiency. However, it also made clear that local governance decisions—particularly around leadership—should remain in the hands of municipal representatives.

Alcock, highlighted District Council concerns to the Town’s Councillors, such as being different than regions like the GTA. She said, “We’re growing differently, our economy is based on our natural environment, and everything is so integrated. We have a smaller population density. We just are different on so many levels.”

She added that another concern is that the Chair is elected by municipal Councillors who are representing the region’s constituents., therefore, if the position is government appointed it makes them “accountable to the Miniter of Municipal Affairs and/or the Premier.”

“Where does that leave the community in Muskoka?” asked Alcock.

Huntsville Council's support reinforces a broader regional position that local municipalities should retain control over how their leadership is selected. The letter requests that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing use discretionary powers to exempt Muskoka from the appointment provisions outlined in Bill 100, should the legislation proceed.

The timing of the request is tied to the upcoming municipal election cycle, with nominations opening May 1. District officials are seeking clarity from the province in advance of that deadline to avoid uncertainty around how the Chair position would be determined.

Huntsville's endorsement adds to the growing list of municipalities voicing concern over the proposed shift, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local decision-making authority within Muskoka's two-tier municipal structure.

Councillor, Monty Clouthier, indicated that his daughter lives in an area where the provincial appointment occurred, “and it’s been nothing but a total disaster.” He added, “The people…they felt that they have lost everything in their municipal politics because this has happened and it hasn’t worked there.”

Councillor, Helena Renwick, expressed that the efforts may be wasted. She said, “The province is going to do what the province is going to do, and we are – and I’m not agreeing with it – I’m just saying that we are creatures of the province. The province really dictates what happens in the municipality.”

She continued that although she supports the request, “unfortunately we can say all we want, if they decide, it’ll happen.”

Alcock concurred, “And the fact that it’s actually going to the third reading is really problematic because most of the debate happens at second reading.” However, she also confirmed that an amendment can still be considered at this stage as well.

She also emphasized the importance of communication received from their constituents. “We know that we’re hearing from our constituents. It’s so important that we convey this, whether we win or lose. It’s really important that we do it,” she said.

The resolution also directs that letters of support be sent to key provincial representatives, including the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier. In addition, copies of the resolution will be shared with the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors and neighbouring municipalities.