Reactions have begun to roll in following the recent announcement of who would take up the mantle of Regional Chair for the Region of Waterloo.
Tuesday, the Ontario government announced that Kitchener Councillor Scott Davey has officially been appointed to the role, not long after Davey ran for and was elected as Ward 1 councillor once again in the City of Kitchener.
Following the announcement, responses have begun to be made from various political figures, with some critiquing the province’s move to appoint the position, rather than have it remain an elected position such as in years past.
RELATED: Province appoints Kitchener Councillor Scott Davey as new Regional Chair
Others, though, are showing their support for Davey as he prepares to take on the key leadership role.
“As Chair of Kitchener’s Finance Committee for 15 successive budgets, Scott has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of municipal finances, and he knows how to take a disciplined approach to aligning budgets with community priorities,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.
“I’m confident he will bring that same approach to the Regional Council table.”
Vrbanovic also called Davey “community-minded, dedicated to public service, professional, and a man of integrity.”
Other leaders are reacting differently to the news, with some, including Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, saying the appointment of those eight Regional Chair roles across the province only works to take powers away from those impacted residents.
“Appointing Regional Chairs is an affront to democracy,” Fife stated.
“Waterloo Region residents value transparency and accountability from their public servants. Newly-appointed Region of Waterloo Chair Scott Davey could instill trust and goodwill by pledging never to use undemocratic Strong Chair powers.”
Those Strong Chair powers will mirror similar Strong Mayor powers, which give those select leaders the opportunity to speed up decision-making processes, expedite developments, and, according to the Ontario government, “end dysfunction at the regional level.”
Some of those powers include:
- Vetoing certain bylaws if they believe it could interfere with a provincial priority
- Appointing chairs and vice-chairs for various local boards
- Proposing, vetoing, and possibly overriding municipal budgets
- Appointing and/or dismissing the region’s Chief Administrative Officer
- Proposing municipal bylaws in line with provincial priorities, which would need one-third of council favour for approval
- And more…
“They are unelected for the role they are being given, with sole accountability to the Premier, all while being handed even more power than previously elected regional chair ever had,” said former Kitchener-Centre MP and federal Green Party leadership frontrunner, Mike Morrice.
“It is an attack on our democracy and a stark reminder of how easily and quickly our democratic rights can be eroded.”
Davey will replace current Regional Chair Karen Redman in the role, who is officially set to wrap up her term as Regional Chair as of Nov. 15.
Congratulations to @RegionWaterloo Chair-Designate @Scott__Davey! Scott is a 16-year veteran of municipal government and a long-serving colleague from @CityKitchener Council. He is community-minded, dedicated to public service, professional, and a man of integrity. I’m confident he will bring that same spirit and professionalism to his new leadership role, serving all of Waterloo Region. As Chair of Kitchener’s Finance Committee for 15 successive budgets, Scott has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of municipal finances, and he knows how to take a disciplined approach to aligning budgets with community priorities. I’m confident he will bring that same approach to the Regional Council table. I look forward to working collaboratively with Chair-Designate Davey, my six new Mayoral colleagues and the eight returning directly elected Councillors to deliver results for the residents of our entire region.
— Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) November 11, 2026
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