Eren Yoruk
Cambridge, ON – As the municipal elections are now behind us, Waterloo Region is entering a new term. However, the new term not only brings new names to the council but also a new system.
The Ontario Legislature passed Bill 100 in May 2026. Under this new law, the province will be able to appoint regional chairs in eight upper-tier municipalities, including Waterloo Region.
Civic Clarity Foundation, a student-led organization, launched a petition campaign to bring back regional chair elections.
“The lack of trust in our institutions is something that’s growing evermore,” says 16-year-old founder Rehan Mazid. “When you show up then your voice gets heard.”
Since 1997, Waterloo Region residents have elected the Regional Chair directly in municipal elections. Before that, the chair was chosen by Regional Council.
Karen Redman remains Waterloo Region’s Regional Chair until the provincial government appoints a new one in the coming days. She did not openly oppose the appointment system but raised concerns about the strong powers of the Regional Chair and a mandate letter from the province.
Mazid and his team submitted a petition with 400 signatures to the office of Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy. She will present the petition to the legislature.
For more information about the campaign, visit Civic Clarity Foundation’s website.