Ontario Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Regional Governance

The Ontario government has introduced the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, which proposes changes to how regional governments operate in several fast-growing areas. If passed, the legislation would aim to improve decision-making efficiency, better align regional priorities with provincial goals, and reduce costs. Proposed changes include giving the province authority to appoint certain regional council chairs with enhanced powers, as well as reducing the size of councils in regions like Niagara and Simcoe.

Read the full release here.