Words such as “erosion of democracy,” “bullying,” and “disrespect” were heard from frustrated District of Muskoka Councillors at a special council meeting held on June 3, 2026.
The meeting was chaired in the absence of District Chair Jeff Lehman by Deputy Chair Terry Glover, who described the issue at hand as one of the most consequential this council will face and one that will impact the District and all of Muskoka’s municipalities for years to come.
For about two hours, councillors debated how forceful they should be in trying to hit home their discontent with the Ontario provincial government’s plan to appoint the District chair, rather than have the person elected by District councillors.
The move follows the Province’s decision under Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, to appoint the heads of council for eight upper-tier municipalities, including Muskoka. Council had previously requested an exemption from the legislation, a request the Province declined.
Perhaps Councillor Bob Stone said much of what councillors were thinking most succinctly.
“I’m really upset, as we all are, about this. This is undermining our democracy, and I want to stand up and fight for it. The trouble is, we have no power. It’s all dictated to us from the Province, and we have no power to say ‘no,’ and that is utterly frustrating, utterly undemocratic. If we do send a strong message back, we risk the Province sending a bully or withholding money, or our hospital, and that scares the hell out of me,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s any recourse through the courts eventually, but that’s certainly not going to happen now or anytime soon. I’m disappointed and, like I said, we have no power to fight back.”
Following much debate, the council unanimously approved a motion that outlines the qualities councillors believe should be considered when selecting the municipality’s next political leader.
At the meeting, council passed a resolution asking Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, and area MPP and Associate Minister Graydon Smith to consider a series of criteria when appointing Muskoka’s District Chair for the 2026-2030 term.
The approved motion states that Muskoka District Council is looking for a chair who has prior elected municipal experience, a strong and ongoing connection to Muskoka, the ability to build consensus, an understanding of the region’s rural and northern realities, and strong leadership skills.
Council also requested that, once applications for the position close, the Province provide the list of candidates and their resumes to District Council so that councillors can offer recommendations to the Minister before a final appointment is made.
During the meeting, councillors debated a second, more forceful resolution outlining how Muskoka could respond if the Province proceeds with appointing the District Chair.
The motion expressed concerns about local accountability and governance, citing experiences in other regions where provincially appointed chairs were seen as operating independently of council direction. The proposal called for measures that would limit the authority of a provincially appointed chair, including removing the chair from committee and board appointment processes, requiring additional oversight of government relations activities, and ensuring council maintains control over governance structures and strategic direction.
Among the more controversial provisions of the motion was a proposal that the District not fund the remuneration, benefits, or discretionary expenses of an appointed chair.
Some wanted to move forward with both barrels blazing, while others cautioned about the possible ramifications and preferred a more conciliatory tone. However, a majority of council ultimately voted to refer the motion to staff for further review. Staff was directed to examine whether any of council’s stated intentions in the more forceful motion contravene existing legislation and examine the implications of the proposed measures.
Staff was asked to report back to council at its June 15 meeting.
The debate highlights growing tensions between Muskoka and the Province over the future governance structure of the District. While councillors have acknowledged the Province appears determined to move ahead with appointments, many continue to advocate for maintaining local influence over who will lead Muskoka’s upper-tier government.
Council is expected to revisit a harsher stance later this month when staff return with their analysis and recommendations.
You can find both of the resolutions HERE.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments