The Ontario government has opened the application process for the appointment of the District of Muskoka Chair with just a two-week turnaround period.
The process marks the first time the role will be filled through a provincial appointment rather than by election.
The full-time position, posted yesterday and advertised through the province’s Public Appointments Secretariat, states the position will serve a four-year term beginning Nov. 15, 2026, and ending Nov. 14, 2030, unless otherwise determined by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Applications close July 13, 2026.
The appointment follows changes made by the province earlier this year that shifted the selection of heads of council in several upper-tier municipalities, including Muskoka, from local elections to provincial appointments.
According to the advertisement, as head of council under the Municipal Act, the District Chair serves as the municipality’s chief executive officer and is responsible for providing leadership to council, presiding over council meetings, and representing the municipality at official functions.
The chair is also tasked with promoting public involvement in municipal affairs, supporting the economic, social and environmental well-being of Muskoka residents, and acting as the municipality’s representative.
In addition to the legislative responsibilities outlined in the Municipal Act, the province says the successful candidate will be expected to build partnerships across all levels of government, collaborate with Muskoka’s lower-tier municipalities, align regional priorities with provincial objectives, identify governance and service delivery efficiencies, and support economic growth throughout the district and the province.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be Canadian citizens, and be eligible to vote in one of Muskoka’s lower-tier municipalities. They must also meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Municipal Act.
The province notes that municipal employees, judges, members of provincial or federal legislatures, and most provincial public servants are among those who are ineligible for appointment.
The advertisement indicates that candidates are expected to demonstrate prior elected political experience, a strong understanding of regional and provincial priorities, and skills in civic engagement, stakeholder relations, strategic leadership, change management, and consensus-building. The successful applicant should also have strong communication skills and a commitment to public service.
The position is classified as full-time and includes weekly meetings, as well as evening, weekend and statutory holiday commitments. The District Chair will be reimbursed for eligible expenses in accordance with the District Municipality of Muskoka’s council expense policy, and the province states that compensation will be paid by the District Municipality of Muskoka and determined by District Council.
It states applications must be submitted through the Ontario government’s Public Appointments Secretariat by July 13.
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It is disgusting that public positions of power are appointed, and not elected.
Why just the District position. Let’s do Mayors, Premiers, and Prime Ministers.
That is better known as a form of dictatorship.
An anointed official dictating to a group of elected members.
Democracy at its finest?
Interesting how Mr. Lehman was able to qualify for nomination as District Chair.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/our-new-district-chair/