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County council approves motion cutting number of councillors in half

January 23, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Simcoe County Council revisited a previous decision regarding the size and composition of County Council on Monday, Jan. 14.

A motion was approved to support the process of reducing the size of County Council from 32 members to 17, inclusive of a full-time appointed Warden.

The move to reduce council means elected mayors of the County’s 16 member municipalities would serve as the default County representatives starting at the next term of County Council.

Currently and historically, local deputy mayors also sit on County County.

As proposed previously, the full-time appointed Warden will be chosen by the incoming Council among eligible electors who choose to put their name forward for Warden.

To take effect, these decisions must be approved through a triple majority process.  If approved, these decisions would take effect for the 2026 – 2030 term.

The current structure of Council will continue for the remainder of the current term.

“Our long-standing structure, with our mayors and deputy mayors both serving on County Council, has served our communities well,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “However, we recognize that our Council is large in size, and that it’s prudent to make this change going forward. With advancements in technology, we have more ways to connect as a Council, with staff and residents, making this potential change more possible than it was years ago. If approved, I’m confident that we will continue to see efficient, effective and fair representation and decision making at County Council. I’m also pleased Council maintained our decision to pursue a full-time, appointed Warden starting next term. The position of Warden requires full-time attention to Simcoe County residents and business.”

A triple majority approval is required to complete this process. Approval by County Council to proceed with these changes is the first step in the legislative process.

The next step is a requirement to hold a public meeting to consider a draft by-law that would change the composition of County Council. If the by-law is ultimately passed by County Council, it would then be sent to the 16 lower-tier member municipalities where a majority of their Councils must consent to the by-law.

It is important to note that County Council may address further guidelines for the role of deputy warden at future meetings and review more information regarding committee structure and the process for Council alternates.

Representatives from the County’s two separated cities will continue to sit on the Human Services Business Section of the Committee of the Whole. 

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