Just a few weeks following the 2026 municipal election, the Ontario government has appointed eight council heads across various municipalities and regions across the province, including announcing Scott Davey as Regional Chair for the Region of Waterloo.
It comes after the government previously stated that it would move away from an election-based system for the head position and, instead, appoint the role itself.
“Ontario stands at an important juncture,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“As we navigate geopolitical challenges and create the conditions for growth, strong leadership at the regional level is more important than ever.”
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The province said that candidates who were interested in running for the position had until Jul. 13 to apply for the role following the government’s implementation of the Better Regional Governance Act.
“These appointments reflect our confidence in local leaders who bring a deep understanding of their municipalities and a proven record of performance and public service,” Flack stated.
“As Heads of Council, they will foster collaboration across municipalities, support responsible growth and ensure services are delivered efficiently, so that these communities remain great places to live, work and raise a family.”
The full list of the eight newly appointed regional chairs across the province includes:
- Kevin Ashe, Durham Regional Chair
- Ann Mulvale, Halton Regional Chair
- Frank Campion, Niagara Regional Chair
- Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair
- Scott Davey, Waterloo Regional Chair
- Steven Del Duca, York Regional Chair
- Scott Aitchison, Muskoka District Chair
- Don McIsaac, Simcoe County Chair
Davey was recently elected as the Ward 1 councillor for the City of Kitchener, having served in office since 2010 and is now serving his fourth term in the role.
He won the seat during the most recent election with over 65 per cent of the vote.
Davey also serves as chair for the city’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee and is a part of several other committees, including Compass Kitchener, the Committee of Revision, and the Board of Directors for Centre in the Square.
Davey will be taking over the role from Karen Redman, who had been in the role since 2018, when she was elected to the position.
The province stated that heads of council for “Upper-tier” municipalities, including areas such as Waterloo Region, represent the “collective interests of their lower-tier municipalities.”
It added that those newly appointed regional chairs will “help prioritize housing and infrastructure in province’s fastest growing regions.”
FM 985 CKWR has reached out to Scott Davey for comment on the recent announcement.
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