Regional Chair and CEO

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About Regional Chair John Henry

Born and raised in Oshawa, John Henry was first elected as Regional Chair and CEO in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, John has a vested interest in the future development, prosperity and quality of life for all Durham residents.

John is a graduate of R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I., Durham College, George Brown College and Panasonic’s Corporate School. He is also a trained Industrial Fire Fighter, Ice Rescue Specialist and Dive Rescue Specialist.

John and his wife Katherine, a retired Pharmacist, have two daughters, Danielle who is a Speech Pathologist and Jessica, who is an Officer and Dentist for the Canadian Armed Forces. John is also the proud grandfather of two grandchildren.

A message from John Henry, Durham Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

As I reflect on 2023, I am proud of what we have accomplished. It was a year that saw significant growth in our communities, key investments made by Regional Council and new challenges meeting the evolving needs of our residents. Thank you to the hard work of our staff, partners and community throughout the year.

We continued to focus on being an open government, providing many opportunities to connect with our residents and businesses. We enhanced the customer service experience for our residents by launching the myDurham 311 Customer Service Portal—a space, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for residents to submit and track Regional service requests. This platform has transformed how our community connects with us and accesses the services they need, when it’s convenient for them.

In Durham, we strive to create safe, respectful and inclusive communities where everyone is welcomed and valued for who they are. Durham Region’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Division has been working across the organization, and with the community, to ensure that inclusivity is embedded into the work we do, from start to finish.

The Region advanced its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by building on past achievements and launching new initiatives. We hired a Manager of Indigenous Relations to provide culturally responsive guidance based in Indigenous ways of knowing and respectful cultural practices; and to support Indigenous representation and participation through action plans focused on systemic change.

This year put a spotlight on the urgent need for supportive and transitional housing, affordable rent and homelessness supports. In 2023, we continued critical work to support our region’s most vulnerable residents. When an unprecedented influx of refugees and asylum seekers arrived in Durham Region, we expanded services and activated emergency shelters to co-ordinate the settlement of newcomers to our communities.

To meet the urgent and immediate need for housing and services, we purchased a building that will provide shelter and support services for those experiencing homelessness to get back on their feet again.

We allocated funds to support the development of multiple affordable housing projects in Pickering and Oshawa; and opened new warming centre locations across the region, including one at Regional Headquarters as part of our Winter Warming Plan. These efforts are critical to ensure we support the most vulnerable in our community.

Our continued focus on building a sustainable future that prioritizes the quality of life of residents was front and centre at the first-ever Durham Environment and Climate Forum, where important conversations were had about climate action, and those working to protect, preserve and enhance Durham’s natural environments were celebrated.

In 2023, we saw record-breaking ridership levels on Durham Region Transit (DRT) and now our service will have to grow to meet ridership demand. DRT is also making investments in their E-Mission Zero program—a suite of emission-reducing initiatives to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions through a sustainable network of vehicles, infrastructure and facilities by 2037—and signed a credit agreement with the Canadian Infrastructure Bank, which will be used to purchase up to 98 zero-emission buses over the next four years.

We also continue to transition to a low-carbon future through sustainability-focused projects and implementing clean and smart technologies in the energy sector.  

Great strides were made on our journey toward becoming a smarter, more connected, and accessible region. Durham was honoured as one of the top seven Intelligent Communities in the world in 2023 by the Intelligent Community Forum for the second time, alongside cities in Australia, Vietnam and Brazil. This is a testament to the ongoing work that addresses the needs of our communities through modern technology and innovative thinking.

There has been real progress on the GO Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville, which will expand rapid transit across Durham Region and beyond, creating more connected communities. The province has issued a Notice to Proceed with the project and, through Bill 131, new stations will be able to be built along the extension. Rapid transit stations that spur transit-oriented communities help meet the needs of our growing communities, bringing new development, particularly housing opportunities.

Another 2023 bright spot on our vision to creating a more connected future, was the 145 kilometres of broadband fibre that the Region—through its broadband Municipal Services Corporation, Durham OneNet Inc.—installed to provide broadband services to previously underserved rural homes, businesses and institutions in Durham Region communities. 

As Durham Region continues to grow, we remain committed to maintaining strong, responsive and sustainable services that best serve the needs of our residents. I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and the work we continue to do, to ensure a safe, healthy and prosperous future for Durham Region. 

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