Outgoing Orillia Mayor appointed new Chair of Simcoe County Council

 

Posted November 10, 2026​

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A one-term Mayor of Orillia was announced this morning as the first Chair of Simcoe County Council.

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Don McIsaac, elected in 2022 and did not seek reelection in 2026, was appointed by the provincial government, and will preside over a restructured County council that was reduced to 17, including the Chair, from 32. His appointment was announced as Simcoe County council was meeting for the final time this morning ending the term.

 

His background:

• Former Orillia mayor (2022–2026).

• Chartered Professional Accountant.

• Trent University graduate.

• Extensive U.S. corporate turnaround and restructuring experience.

• Son of two former Orillia mayors, Burt and Pat McIsaac.

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In 2025, as Mayor, McIsaac used used strong mayor powers to overturn his council's selection of Trevor Lee as the city's chief administrative officer. He subsequently appointed Amanpreet Singh Sidhu.

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McIsaac, whose salary as Chair will be $181,412 plus benefits and expenses, will have the equivalent of strong mayor powers as Chair. He will have significant authority, including involvement in the County budget, senior administrative appointments and certain decisions affecting provincial housing and infrastructure priorities.

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The government also announced other regional appointments including:

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• Kevin Ashe, Durham Regional Chair

• Ann Mulvale, Halton Regional Chair

• Frank Campion, Niagara Regional Chair

• Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair

• Scott Davey, Waterloo Regional Chair

• Steven Del Duca, York Regional Chair

• Scott Aitchison, Muskoka District Chair