Lake of Bays Council defers decision on provincial plan to appoint District Chair despite opposition

Council has concerns that the province could appoint an out-of-towner to become District Chair with "strong powers"

Lake of Bays Council deferred a decision on the provincial plan to appoint a District Chair despite opposing it, April 14, 2026, meeting.

A resolution was brought forward by Councillors Jacqueline Godard and Nancy Tapley in response to Ontario's proposed Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, which would give the province authority to appoint a District Chair for Muskoka and several other regions. Under the proposal, the appointed Chair could be granted "strong powers" similar to those provided under the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act.

According to the resolution, issues about the plan for changes to regional governance includes concerns over accountability, local representation, and the concentration of authority.

Concerns were raised that shifting to a provincially appointed Chair would centralize decision-making authority in a single individual who is accountable to the province rather than local residents. The resolution notes that such a move could weaken the connection between voters and their local government, while also increasing the potential for conflict between upper- and lower-tier municipalities.

Additional concerns were outlined around the possibility that an appointed Chair may not have direct ties to Muskoka, including residency or familiarity with the region's communities.

The risk of reduced local engagement was also highlighted, as the legislation would not require the Chair to be present or actively involved in community initiatives.

The resolution further points to the potential for increased political influence at the municipal level, noting that local governments in Ontario have traditionally operated on a non-partisan basis. It also expressed concern that provincial appointments could introduce partisan dynamics into municipal decision-making.

Environmental and planning considerations were also identified, with the proposed legislation granting authority to override Official Plans, including policies related to environmental protection. This could undermine responsible land-use planning and locally informed growth management.

It was also noted that Muskoka municipalities are already actively working to address key challenges such as housing, and that the proposed changes may overlook ongoing local efforts.

The resolution reflects a broader concern about maintaining local decision-making authority and ensuring that governance structures remain accountable to the communities they serve.

Councillor, Nancy Tapley, said, “It’s really bad. You’ve got partisan politics.” She expressed that they “worked hard” for a long time for the current system.

Other Council members concurred, with Councillor George Anderson also expressing confusion and destabilization “by the possibility that the position may be appointed.”

Councillor, Robert Lacroix, said, “I thought it was a joke.” He added, “My view is that the province should stay out of it… It should stay in Muskoka. It should never be affiliated with the government.”

Lacroix added, “Once Conservatives are out and other parties are in does it get changed again?”

“It’s a bit of a slap in the face to democracy,” said Councillor Mike Peppard, adding, “It’s just unnecessary in my opinion.”

Mayor, Terry Glover, said that the District of Muskoka is currently in discussions about their own resolution that includes other important points, so it’s better the Township Council waits to see that before they endorse the one brought forward today.