Better Regional Governance Act, 2026

RÉSUMÉ DU REGISTRE OFFICIEL

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SCHEDULE 1 MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001 The Schedule amends the Municipal Act, 2001 . Here are some highlights: 1. Amendments are made with respect to the timing of the requirement for regional municipalities to review, for each of their lower-tier municipalities, the number of members of their council that represent each lower-tier municipality. See the amendments to subsection 218 (6) and new subsection 218 (6.1). 2. New section 218.0.1 authorizes the Minister to make regulations governing the votes of the members of councils of upper-tier municipalities. The regulations would apply only after the 2026 regular election. 3. Section 218.1 is re-enacted to provide rules governing the appointment of the head of council of certain municipalities, beginning after the regular election in 2026. Related regulation making authority is provided. 4. New section 218.2 sets out the composition of the council of the County of Simcoe beginning after the regular election in 2026. Related regulation making authority is provided. 5. New section 218.2.1 sets out the composition of the council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara beginning after the regular election in 2026. Related regulation making authority is provided. 6. New section 218.2.2 authorizes the Minister to make regulations prescribing the composition of council of the City of Thorold, the City of Port Colborne and the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for the term of office beginning in 2026. 7. Sections 218.3 and 218.6 apply with respect to the term of office beginning in 2022 for certain municipalities. The sections are repealed. SCHEDULE 2 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ACT, 1996 The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 is amended to re-enact section 10.1 to deem nominations filed in the 2026 regular election to have been withdrawn in respect of the office of head of council of a municipality referred to in subsection 218.1 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 as well as any other office on the council of The Regional Municipality of Niagara. Regulation-making authority with respect to carrying out the 2026 regular election in these municipalities, and the municipalities referred to in subsection 218.2.2 (1), is provided. The section applies only if the Bill receives Royal Assent on or after May 1, 2026.