Province opens application period to fill Head of County Council
Posted June 30, 2026
The provincial government is not backing down from its plan to appoint the head of a restructured Simcoe County council by opening the application period for qualified candidates.
The Province’s Public Appointments Secretariat will take applications for County of Simcoe Head of Council (currently known as ‘Warden/County Chair’), until July 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
The appointment of a full-time Head of Council became legislation as part of the Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, passed by the Ontario Government on May 7, 2026.
Prior to this the Warden was selected by County Council from among their 32 members. The Act also reduced the size of County Council from 32 to 17 (16 Mayors and a full-time Head of Council).
As outlined by the Province, Heads of Council help guide municipal priorities, chair Council meetings, represent the region at official events, and support coordination among local municipalities. They help ensure decisions are carried out and that local government remains accountable and transparent.
To be considered, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the Municipal Act, 2001, including being eligible to vote in a lower‑tier municipality within the County of Simcoe.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to review the posting and apply through the Province’s Public Appointments Secretariat.
For more information or to apply:
Basil Clarke, the Mayor of Ramara, is currently Warden. The position pays $100,372, plus expenses and benefits. It's expected the Head of Council remuneration could top $200k under the new system.
