Next Region of Waterloo chair likely to be appointed by the province

Karen Redman may be nearing the end of her tenure as the province moves to replace elected regional chairs with appointed ones under proposed legislation. Region of Waterloo photo

By Lee Griffi

The next Region of Waterloo municipal government will likely have a different look at the top following the Oct. 26 provincial elections.

The Ford government has tabled the Better Regional Governance Act, which would enable the province to replace the elected regional chair in Waterloo with a provincially appointed one. The current chair, Karen Redman, appears to be in the final months of her term since being elected in 2018.

Ontario’s municipal affairs minister, Rob Flack, is proposing to appoint a slate of regional council chairs and give them additional powers. Legislation tabled last week would allow Flack to implement weighted voting at Niagara regional council, reduce the size of that council from 32 to 13 members, and directly appoint regional chairs in Waterloo, Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, York and Simcoe County.

The bill would also give those appointed chairs strong powers, including the ability to appoint or fire the chief administrative officer and division heads, direct staff, veto certain bylaws and propose the municipal budget. The provincial government has already given strong mayor powers to the council heads in 216 municipalities, including Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, who has a seat at regional council.

Salonen released a brief statement on the announcement.

"Municipal governance in Ontario operates within a framework set by the province, and this is one of those moments where that authority is being exercised. Our collective responsibility as a community is to ensure Wilmot and the region's voice, and the decisions that affect them, remain grounded in local perspectives."

Coun. Lillianne Dunstall made her feelings quite clear, saying she does not agree with the province’s proposal.

“We need to remember that municipalities are responsible for administering provincial policies and legislation. That is our role, and we operate within the framework set by the province. While it may not be surprising that the province is expanding its authority or finding ways to do so, it is concerning.”

She added small municipalities like Wilmot do not want to be absorbed into larger urban centres and lose their identity, local voice and community feel. Dunstall has also expressed opposition to strong mayor powers.

“We talk about democracy, and some of our legislative representatives even teach it, yet have no issue assuming powers that ignore the voices of ward residents and their elected councillors. What concerns me most is the lack of real choice and local control. When decisions of this magnitude can be made at the provincial level, it leaves municipalities and residents with very little say.”

Coun. Kris Wilkinson said he also opposed the province’s direction.

“Moving to appointed chairs and expanded powers is an erosion of local democracy. Residents elect councils to represent their communities and this risks concentrating decision making in a way that reduces that local voice, particularly for smaller municipalities like Wilmot.”

He added while he understands the push for efficiency, it shouldn’t come at the cost of representation and accountability.

A statement provided to the Gazette by Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris essentially confirmed the writing on the wall for Redman. He said he had collaborated closely with her and thanked her for her leadership.

“I want to thank her for her leadership, which has helped to advance projects such as Waterloo Regional Health Network’s new hospital and the expansion of regional transit, including the Kitchener Central Transit Hub.”

He added the Better Regional Governance Act will support better alignment between regional decision making and shared provincial-regional priorities, expedite building housing and infrastructure, and lower costs for municipal taxpayers. These changes will help advance housing and economic development, preparing the province as a whole for growth, he added.

“Waterloo region must ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with growth to ensure we are ready to welcome more families, jobs and economic opportunity,” Harris said. “As the region works towards a long-term solution for the current water-capacity system challenges, Ontario will continue to work closely with regional officials and will prioritize the review of applications once submitted.”

The Region of Waterloo released a statement on behalf of Redman.

“I remain focused on leading this regional council as we deliver key housing-enabling infrastructure, expand transit services and community supports, and work alongside all partners for a strong and affordable Waterloo region.”

She added she is proud to have been elected twice by the community.

“We share the province’s goals, and my focus continues to be on these priorities, now and throughout the months ahead as next steps are determined. I look forward to continuing to work with the province on the important services and policies that our community depends on.”

The Gazette also reached out to Eric Davis from SV Law in Guelph, a lawyer with expertise in municipal affairs. He said an appointed regional chair appears to be on the horizon.

“I have heard from some members of provincial parliament, and it appears it is questionable whether chair Redman will continue in that position.”

Davis explained the move to appoint regional heads of government could be one way to exert more provincial control over local issues.

“I presume they might want to exercise more power and control over regional governments rather than getting rid of them entirely. I think trying to dissolve Peel Region may have taught them it’s easier said than done and that there are a lot of things owned and operated by the region that aren’t easily downloaded.”

Ken Seiling served as regional chair of Waterloo for an exceptionally long period – 33 years, from 1985 to 2018. In 1985, Seiling was chosen as chair by fellow members of regional council, not by the public, much like the current voting system for the Oxford and Perth county wardens, who are elected by their peers.

“I think it was only since 1997 that Seiling was directly elected by the people, and he continued for several terms thereafter,” Davis said. “I think it’s going to be interesting to see what the future of regional government is and even if it continues to exist in the future.”

Davis added the government is also looking at legislation to give regional governments weighted voting based on population.

“Voting would be based on the population of the municipality which they represent. That would lower the number of regional councillors than what we presently have. That’s not, as I understand it, for this upcoming election, but it could be something that happens in the future.”

The next question is who will be appointed to the top job at the Region of Waterloo. The government has not indicated any potential contenders or when an announcement could be made. The window for candidates to complete paperwork to run in the October municipal election opens on Friday, May 1.