Ontario Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Regional Governance
April 7, 2026
Proposed changes would help local leaders speed up decision-making, reduce costs and expedite housing and infrastructure
TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026 that would, if passed, make a number of changes to the way regional governments function in some of Ontario’s fastest growing regions. These changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers and better alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities.
“We will always support our municipal partners, both lower- and upper-tier, in delivering locally led solutions that offer better value for taxpayers and speed up decision-making,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These changes provide the necessary tools for local leadership to advance our shared priorities and better serve our communities, including by expediting housing and infrastructure development.”
The government will continue working with municipalities to identify ways to strengthen local governance in Niagara, Simcoe and beyond, such as working with local municipal leadership to develop a weighted voting framework to ensure appropriate and effective representation. Working together to advance shared provincial-municipal priorities helps advance housing and economic development, preparing both individual municipalities and the province as a whole for growth.
Quotes
“Strong regional leadership is essential to get more homes built and reduce costs in communities like Muskoka and across Ontario. Our government is taking steps to ensure regional governments, like the District of Muskoka, can move forward with a clear vision and streamlined processes that better serve residents and taxpayers. Managing growth while protecting the unique character of our area will always remain paramount.”
– Graydon Smith
Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka
“Simcoe County is the largest and one of the fastest growing counties in Ontario and an important municipal partner for our government. At the County’s request and after years of internal discussion, our government is taking action to modernize Council composition, to make the County more responsive, and more efficient. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the County and serve the residents of Simcoe.”
– Brian Saunderson
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Simcoe-Grey
“Regional leadership is vital to building strong, resilient communities. This legislation is a meaningful step forward in our government’s plan to ensure municipalities have the tools they need to navigate economic uncertainty, remove barriers to building homes faster, and support long-term growth across Ontario. We will continue working with local leaders across Simcoe County to deliver results for families, unlock new opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient region.”
– Doug Downey
MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte
“Local governments are essential partners in delivering on the priorities that matter most to Ontarians and in ensuring our province remains strong in the face of economic uncertainty. This act would help strengthen alignment between municipal and provincial priorities and will support more coordinated decision-making, clearer accountability and the ability to advance key initiatives that benefit our communities.”
– Jill Dunlop
MPP for Simcoe North
“The county asked for these changes, and our government is acting. Our community cannot afford any more delays or red tape when it comes to building housing, delivering infrastructure and supporting economic growth. This legislation would help communities move forward with housing and infrastructure projects that support long term prosperity.”
– Andrea Khanjin
MPP for Barrie-Innisfil
“Municipalities are key partners in our plan to protect Ontario. By strengthening our regional governance, we are empowering municipalities with stronger tools to respond more effectively and efficiently to the challenges they face in their communities.”
– Caroline Mulroney
MPP for York-Simcoe
“The population of Niagara is projected to increase to over 700,000 residents by 2051, a significant transformation which will require new and innovative approaches to municipal governance and long-term planning. In a growing region like ours, it’s important to plan for the well-being and success of future generations who will call Niagara home. With the changes proposed for our region through the Better Regional Governance Act, Niagara will be ready to lead the province as a preferred place to live, work and visit.”
– Sam Oosterhoff
MPP for Niagara West
“We thank Premier Ford and Minister Flack for their decision and direction. While our governance model has served the County effectively for many decades, there is recognition that further streamlining decision‑making will better support the needs of our communities. This reduction in the size of Council, which was previously recommended by County Council, advances our ongoing efforts to be responsive and cost‑efficient for residents, while continuing to ensure strong local decision‑making at County Council through the leadership of our 16 lower-tier mayors. With growth in our services, there is also a strong need for a full-time Head of Council to focus on the interests of our residents and communities. These changes will help strengthen our ability to serve our growing region effectively.”
– Basil Clarke
Warden, Simcoe County
“Change is long overdue in Niagara and the status quo is not an option. Taxes are too high because of duplication and inefficiencies and we need to streamline. No elected official will vote him or herself out of a job. We need this bold move from the Ontario government.”
– Jim Diodati
Mayor, City of Niagara Falls
“I would like to personally thank the Ford government for making governance changes in Niagara. I believe this will lead to a more effective and efficient system that will benefit communities, residents and businesses within the Niagara Region.”
– Frank Campion
Mayor, City of Welland
“Regional governance reform is a critical step toward ensuring fair, efficient, and accountable decision making across our communities. We look forward to working with the province to find the right balance of weighted voting representation that reflects both population and local voice.”
– Sandra Easton
Mayor, Town of Lincoln
“Streamlining decision-making across Niagara is essential to delivering the Destination Niagara Strategy and supporting the region’s long-term growth. Premier Ford’s recent $300 million investment underscores the importance of this work, and Niagara Parks, as a self-funded agency that receives no tax dollars, looks forward to continuing to work with our partners to enhance the visitor experience and keep Niagara among the best places in the world to visit.”
– Graham Coveney
Chair, Niagara Parks Commission
“Regional governance reform is a vital opportunity to strengthen collaboration and strategic decision making that supports the entire visitor economy. As a current Board Member, the Tourism Partnership of Niagara looks forward to working with all partners to move Destination Niagara forward and ensure our region remains one of the most inspiring and sought after places to visit in the world.”
– Mory Di Maurizio
Board Member, Tourism Partnership of Niagara
“The Niagara Home Builders’ Association supports regional governance reform as an important step toward building a more efficient and responsive system that helps get homes and infrastructure built faster. We look forward to working collaboratively with the province and local municipalities to create the conditions needed to meet Niagara’s growing housing and community needs.”
– Kelly Anderson
Chair of the Niagara Home Builders Association
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