PROVINCE OFFICIALLY NAMES MP AITCHISON DISTRICT CHAIR OF MUSKOKA FOR 2026-2030
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
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MUSKOKA — In a not surprising announcement today, Conservative MP Scott Aitchison has been named Muskoka’s next district chair. He will lead council representatives from Muskoka’s three towns and three townships.
The announcement follows the appointment by Robert Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Smith is associate minister to Flack.
The new chair will also have additional powers and duties under Ontario’s strong chair framework under the Doug Ford government. These powers are intended to support provincial and municipal priorities, including housing and infrastructure, says the district.
The province was to make the announcement Sunday, Nov. 15, but when word leaked the past two days it became official when MPP Graydon Smith and the District of Muskoka offered congratulations today.
“I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Scott Aitchison on his appointment,” Smith posted Tuesday on Facebook.
“Scott brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of public service to this important role. Having served as a Huntsville Town Councillor, District Councillor, Mayor of Huntsville and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka, Scott knows our communities, understands the issues that matter to local residents and has longstanding relationships across the District.
“His extensive municipal experience, combined with his leadership on housing policy at the federal level, makes him exceptionally well qualified to help address the challenges facing Muskoka, particularly housing affordability, infrastructure needs and responsible growth.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Scott for many years and know firsthand his commitment to our region. I am confident he will provide strong, effective leadership that reflects the unique needs of Muskoka’s communities, and I look forward to working closely with him and District Council to advance our shared priorities,” Smith said.
“I also want to extend my sincere thanks to outgoing District Chair Jeff Lehman for his service over the past four years. I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Jeff and thank him for his contributions during his time as Chair. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Aitchison announced his decision to resign his seat in Parliament at the end of the fall sitting.
Lehman and former Huntsville mayor Nancy Alcock also applied for the job this past summer.
New district council next month
The move comes as Muskoka prepares to welcome its newly elected district council for the 2026–2030 term, following the October 26 municipal election.
The process for selecting Muskoka’s district chair changed for the 2026–2030 term under Ontario’s Better Regional Governance Act, 2026. Flack was allowed to appoint the district chair following a municipal election.
Previously, the chair was selected by members of district council.
District councillors will continue to represent Muskoka’s communities and play an important role in decisions affecting residents, says the district release.
The 23 members, including the district chair, six municipal mayors and 16 district councillors also serve on their local municipal councils.
Visit www.muskoka.on.ca for a full list of the 2026-2030 district councillors.
The new district council term begins Nov. 15, with an inaugural meeting to be scheduled in early December 2026.
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