Bylaw to cut Simcoe County council in half fails to meet triple majority approval

 

Posted July 3, 2025​

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Simcoe County council will remain a 32 member government body (pending unforeseen circumstances) following a failure to achieve a "triple majority" in the approval process to cut it down to 16, plus a full-time appointed Warden, at the municipal level.

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Oro-Medonte rejected the reduction last week, making it the 8th of 16 to oppose the change, leaving it one short of a majority of councils.

 

New Tecumseth, Bradford, Innisfil, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Midland, Springwater, and Tay, each voted in favour.

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Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa, Ramara, Clearview, Severn, Penetanguishene, Tiny, and Oro-Medonte.

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While the council votes ended in a tie, the third leg of the triple was met as the eight in support represent the majority of electors in Simcoe County.

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New Tecumseth Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan told Free Press Online she was disappointed by the outcome as a supporter of reducing the composition.

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"Multiple times I voted for the reduction of County Council even if it meant losing the position of Deputy Mayor," said MacLellan. "The outcome is disappointing, but I will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility and making the County more efficient."

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Simcoe County council doesn't meet again until Aug. 12 when the matter will return to the agenda.​​