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Position/Title
Chair (Full-Time)
Agency
Regional Municipality of Durham
Advertisement Date
29-Jun-2026
Closing Date
13-Jul-2026
File Number
PAS-260066
Position Type
Full-Time
Remuneration
EXPENSES
Roles and Responsibilities

Regional Chair: 
As set out in sections 225 and 226.1 of the Municipal Act, the role of the Head of Council is to:

  • act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
    • uphold and promote the purposes of the municipality;
    • promote public involvement in the municipality’s activities;
    • act as the representative of the municipality both within and outside the municipality and promote it locally, nationally, and internationally; and
    • participate in and foster activities that enhance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the municipality and its residents;
  • preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;
  • provide leadership to the council;
  • provide information and recommendations to the council with respect to administrative, controllership, accountability, and transparency policies, practices and procedures
  • represent the municipality at official functions; and
  • carry out the duties of the head of council under the Municipal Act, 2001 or any other Act.

In addition to legislative duties, the upper-tier Head of Council is expected to:

  • Build partnerships across governments and sectors and work collaboratively with lower-tier municipalities to advance regional priorities;
  • Ensure effective alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities;
  • Protect Ontario’s economy and support economic growth to strengthen communities; and
  • Identify local municipal governance and service delivery efficiencies.
Qualifications

To be appointed, an applicant must be eligible under section 257 of the Municipal Act, 2001, to be an elector in a lower-tier municipality within the upper-tier municipality as follows:

  • Is at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen;
  • Resides in the municipality or is the owner or tenant of land or spouse of such owner or tenant;
  • Is not prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 or any other Act; and
  • Is not disqualified by any Act from holding office as a member of a council of an upper-tier municipality

An applicant would be ineligible to be appointed in accordance with section 258 of the Municipal Act, 2001 if they are:                                                                                                     

  • An employee of the municipality, clerk, treasurer, Integrity Commissioner, Auditor General, Ombudsman, registrar referred to in section 223.11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, an investigator referred to in subsection 239.2 of the Municipal Act, 2001, or other holder of an administrative position of the municipality who is not a municipal employee;
  • A judge of any court;
  • A member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario or of the Senate or House of Commons of Canada;
  • Or a public servant within the meaning of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, except in accordance with Part V of the Act.

Applicants are expected to possess exemplary leadership skills and should demonstrate the following competencies and experience:

  • Previous elected political experience and a strong understanding of regional and provincial priorities, including those specific to the upper-tier municipality to which they are applying
  • Civic engagement and stakeholder management skills
  • Innovative with experience leading major change initiatives in large organizations
  • Effective communicator with proven ability to act as a facilitator and build trust 
  • Commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers/stakeholders  
  • Decisive and strategic thinker
  • Informed and solution oriented
Term
4 years
November 15, 2026, to November 14, 2030, or as determined by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Time Commitment
Weekly meetings
This is a full-time position that often requires work outside of regular working hours, including weekends and statutory holidays.
Expenses
Yes
This position will be subject to the Regional Municipality of Durham's council expense requirements.
Apply