City of Pickering congratulates Mayor Kevin Ashe on appointment as Durham Regional Chair

Pickering, ON, November 10, 2026 - Today, the Province of Ontario announced the appointment of Heads of Council in eight upper-tier municipalities, including Mayor Kevin Ashe as Chair of the Regional Municipality of Durham for the 2026-2030 term. The City of Pickering congratulates Mayor Ashe on his appointment, a strong vote of confidence in his proven leadership and more than two decades of experience in municipal government.

Mayor Ashe will take on this new responsibility while continuing to serve as Mayor of Pickering, where he has advanced a positive and progressive vision focused on driving economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure, expanding housing opportunities, and building a vibrant and connected community. Reflecting Mayor Ashe and the Province of Ontario’s shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, he will receive only one salary while serving in both roles.

The City fully supports Mayor Ashe as he takes on this expanded responsibility. This model of dual public service is well established across Canada, where Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament routinely serve their local constituents while also taking on broader leadership responsibilities, including Cabinet portfolios that extend beyond their riding boundaries. This model allows elected officials to remain connected to their communities while serving the broader public interest.

Pickering’s future is intrinsically linked to the future of Durham Region. As one of Durham’s fastest-growing communities, Pickering plays an important role in the Region’s economic prosperity, while effective regional government is critical to supporting that growth. Mayor Ashe’s municipal experience and understanding of the issues, opportunities, and priorities facing communities across Durham will help strengthen that relationship and deliver for residents across the Region.

“Durham Region is at an inflection point, and I am deeply honoured to take on this important responsibility while continuing to serve the residents of Pickering as Mayor,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “I thank Premier Ford and Minister Flack for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve Durham Region in this capacity. There is tremendous potential before us, and I look forward to working with residents, my colleagues, and communities across Durham to strengthen collaboration, tackle the challenges we face, support responsible growth, advance our shared provincial priorities, including housing and infrastructure, and deliver meaningful results that strengthen our communities and our Region.”

-30-

As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 105,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.