Ontario appoints Kevin Ashe as Durham Regional Chair

Ontario has appointed Kevin Ashe as Durham Regional Chair, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack announced Nov. 10, 2026. Ashe will head Durham’s regional council and represent the collective interests of its local municipalities.

Regional governments, also known as upper-tier municipalities, typically provide services such as regional roads, housing and social services, according to the ministry. Regional chairs can introduce regional budgets and guide council policy discussions.

Ashe’s duties include chairing regional council meetings, advocating on behalf of the region with the provincial and federal governments, and leading during emergencies, the ministry said.

The appointment is one of eight announced under the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, which allows the municipal affairs and housing minister to appoint heads of council in the designated upper-tier municipalities.

Municipalities will set the chairs’ pay. For appointees who also serve as a lower-tier mayor or councillor, total compensation will be capped at the higher of the two salaries, according to the ministry.

Appointees who also serve as local mayors will hold only the chair’s seat on regional council. Their local municipality will appoint another representative to regional council, while the mayor continues to carry out both roles.