The Ontario Government is expected to announce the name of the new Region of Durham Chair and CEO around November 1, according to a senior member of the Progressive Conservative Party.
The announcement will come days after the local municipal elections across the eight municipalities of Durham on October 26, at which time regional councillors will also be elected and the regional council formed. However, the region chair and CEO will later be appointed by Queen’s Park.
The provincial government has not said if incumbent John Henry will stay on or a new chair will be appointed.
“We can confirm that the estimated date for the appointment of a Durham Region Chair is expected on or around November 1st of this year,” said a statement from Todd McCarthy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham and Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Silence on the Names
Asked by Durham Post if there are any names from the region under consideration, and if yes, how many are in the shortlist, McCarthy’s office said: “Our office cannot comment or speculate on any names of local leaders being considered for the position of regional chair.”
When asked if any from Durham Region are in the shortlist, and if, yes, how many, the office said: “We cannot speculate on who or how many are on the shortlist.”
There are few names floating around, the prominent among them being that of Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe.
“I always thought that Kevin Ashe would be appointed given how he is a strong Ontario PC Party supporter, but I see he is running for Pickering Mayor again,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous for the time being.
“Maybe this is why the province has selected November 1 to make their announcement so that they can chose from candidates who lost in the 2026 municipal elections,” he quipped.
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