Western Ontario Municipal Leaders Push Back on Province’s Bill 100
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus is urging Ontario to protect local governance as Bill 100 proposes major changes to some upper-tier municipalities.
A group representing municipal leaders across Western Ontario is urging the province to protect local decision-making as Queen’s Park considers legislation that would significantly change how some upper-tier municipalities are governed.
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) issued a statement Tuesday raising concerns about Ontario’s proposed Bill 100, the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026.
The caucus said the bill signals a broader provincial shift away from locally determined governance, particularly through measures such as provincially appointed heads of council and expanded executive powers.
“Municipal governments work best when they remain local, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve,” WOWC Chair Marcus Ryan said in a release.
“Counties are already delivering on housing, infrastructure, and economic growth. Governance changes must build on that success—not undermine it.”
WOWC is an advocacy group made up of elected county leaders—known as wardens—from 15 upper-tier and single-tier municipalities across Western Ontario. The group works collectively to influence provincial and federal policy affecting rural and small urban communities.
While the legislation would directly affect only one WOWC member municipality—Simcoe County—the caucus said the bill could signal future changes for counties across Ontario.
Introduced April 2 by Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, Bill 100 would amend the Municipal Act and the Municipal Elections Act. The province says the legislation is intended to improve efficiency, strengthen alignment between municipal and provincial priorities, and support housing and infrastructure goals.
Among the proposed changes, the province would gain the power to appoint the heads of council in eight upper-tier municipalities, including nearby Simcoe County, after the 2026 municipal election.
Bruce and Grey are not currently included, but the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus says the legislation may signal broader governance changes for counties across Ontario.
WOWC said counties operate differently than regions and cities, relying on collaborative two-tier systems that reflect rural realities and ensure balanced representation among municipalities.
“Local leadership matters—especially in rural and county systems where collaboration across municipalities is critical,” Ryan said. “A one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect how counties operate or the realities of our communities.”
The caucus is calling on the province to ensure any future governance reforms:
Maintain locally elected leadership;
Recognize differences between municipal structures;
Reflect rural and regional realities; and
Be developed in partnership with municipalities.
Bill 100 received first reading on April 2 and is currently before the Ontario legislature.
If passed, parts of Bill 100 would take effect following the 2026 municipal election.
WOWC says it will continue advocating for local control and consultation as the legislation moves through Queen’s Park.
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