Province names Kitchener councillor to Region of Waterloo’s top political spot
By Lee Griffi
Scott Davey has been appointed by the provincial government as the new Waterloo regional chair for the current term of council. Current chair Karen Redman’s last day on the job is Nov. 14.
The Ward 1 City of Kitchener councillor was first elected in 2010 and was re-elected for his fifth term on Oct. 26. Davey easily held his seat, getting over 67 per cent of the vote in Ward 1. Redman served as chair for eight years, succeeding Ken Seiling who held the post for 33 years. She applied for the role but was not successful.
“I’ve built my political reputation on integrity. I think the first way you deep-six that is to walk away from a role that you just won and disappoint the residents that I made a promise to run for,” said Davey. “I will be stepping away from some of the more elective duties at the lower tier, but I believe that I can do both.”
The region’s top job along with seven other regional chair postings were posted on the Public Appointments Secretariat website on June 29 and interested candidates were able to apply until July 13.
“I look forward to working with Scott Davey as Waterloo Region’s new chair. His extensive experience on Kitchener City council and proven track record of responsible budget management will serve the region well,” said newly elected Wilmot Township Mayor Kris Wilkinson. “I particularly appreciate his focus on affordable, accountable government and look forward to working together on behalf of residents.”
Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris said he’s proud his government selected Davey.
“Waterloo Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario. Families are choosing to live here, businesses are choosing to invest here and innovators are choosing to build here. With that growth, we need infrastructure that keeps pace, homes that people can afford and an economy that creates good jobs in every community across the region.”
Harris added Davey has the experience and the local knowledge the region needs.
“Before entering public life, he held senior positions in the finance and technology sectors. As chair of Kitchener's finance and corporate services committee, he has led every municipal budget since 2012.”
He said over that time, Kitchener has delivered surpluses, paid down debt and kept tax increases below inflation for more than a decade while protecting the services residents rely on.
“Scott will bring that same steady, responsible leadership to the regional chair position.”
The Gazette reached out to former 570 News talk show host and political commentator Mike Farwell for his thoughts. He said Davey is an excellent choice for the job.
“While I still don't like that what was once a position we voted on is now an appointment by the province, I think Waterloo Region is well-served here. Scott was elected five times by residents of Kitchener's Ward 1, and he's demonstrated his ability as an attentive, collaborative and consensus-building councillor. On top of that, his record as finance chair is phenomenal.”
The Region of Waterloo’s CAO also provided a written statement to the media. Darshpreet Bhatti said the region will work with chair-elect Davey and regional council to support an orderly transition and a strong start to the new term of council.
“I also want to thank Chair Karen Redman for her many years of dedicated public service and leadership. Chair Redman has led the region through significant challenges and change, and her commitment to the organization and the community has made a lasting impact. On behalf of the region’s staff, we are grateful for her service and wish her well.”
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack made the announcement on Tuesday along with naming seven other regional chairs across the province. He said his government is focused on making Ontario the most competitive economy in the G7 and on making sure Waterloo Region's growth works for the people who live there.
“That means building the water, wastewater, roads and transit that new homes and businesses depend on. It means speeding up approvals so shovels get in the ground faster and getting more housing built that families can afford.”
He added it also means protecting good jobs and attracting investment across our advanced manufacturing, agri-food and technology sectors, while supporting world-class post-secondary institutions.
“Scott will be a strong partner in delivering on these priorities. I look forward to working closely with him, regional council, municipal leaders and residents to advance our shared priorities and create a stronger region.”
The Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, enables a consistent approach to regional chair appointments across the province, allowing the minister of municipal affairs and housing to appoint the heads of council for eight upper-tier municipalities.
Compensation will be determined by municipalities. In cases where appointees are also a lower-tier mayor or councillor, their total compensation will be capped at the higher of the two salaries.
Upper-tier and lower-tier municipalities are two levels of local government that work together, with separate sets of responsibilities. An upper-tier municipality, especially a region, is typically responsible for delivering regional services (i.e. regional roads, housing and social services) across its lower-tier municipalities. A lower-tier municipality is typically responsible for local services (i.e. local roads, fire protection, garbage collection and recreation.
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