Motion opposing joint mayor, regional chair role comes to council this week
Posted Aug 24, 2026 07:07:27 AM.
It’s a possibility that has garnered a lot of chatter and discussion this summer in Waterloo Region.
The idea the newly appointed regional chair position could be handed to a sitting mayor.
The province has not ruled the option out, but one regional councillor hopes the local decision makers can send a message to the Doug Ford Government that the roles of mayor and regional chair are not suitable for double-dipping.
Councillor and former Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig is presenting a motion this week calling for Regional Council to oppose any option that would see one person serve as both a mayor and regional chair.
“Allowing one individual to serve simultaneously as Mayor and Regional Chair creates the potential for real or perceived conflicts of interest when municipal and regional priorities differ,” reads the motion.
“Combining Strong Mayor and Strong Chair powers in one individual would significantly concentrate authority and could diminish the role of locally elected councillors and collective council decision-making.”
Craig goes on to say the interests of one of the seven municipalities in Waterloo Region, might not fit the interests of the region as a whole.
He is looking to have council send feedback to not only the Premier but also the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local MPPs and beyond.
Five of Waterloo Region’s current mayors are seeking re-election in the upcoming fall municipal election.
In Woolwich and North Dumfries, mayors Sandy Shantz and Sue Foxton announced they would not be running again.
All seven will be discussing the motion during Regional Council on Wednesday.
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