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Simcoe County Council changes procedure to appoint full-time warden

October 24, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Simcoe County Council approved a motion to move to an appointed, full-time County Warden.

The motion moves to include one additional member of Council who will be appointed by the 32-member Council as full-time warden.

This appointed Warden will be chosen by Council among eligible electors.

To take effect, this decision must be approved through a triple majority process. If approved, this decision will take effect for the 2026-30 term.

Similar council structures with appointed heads of Council are used in many regions and districts across Ontario including the neighbouring municipalities of York Region and Muskoka District.

Approval by County Council to proceed with the full-time, appointed Warden position 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 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. The majority of municipalities consenting must also represent a majority of electors in the County.

If approved, the current structure – a part-time Warden elected by sitting County Councillors – will continue for the remainder of the current term.

County Council may address further guidelines related to the full-time warden position at future meetings.

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