Meaford Council Chambers. Photo by Claire McCormack
Meaford is opposing the provincial government’s expansion of strong mayor powers.
Council approved sending a letting to the Ontario government during is meeting in opposition to the province’s pending rollout of enhanced authority to mayors in 169 more municipalities across Ontario, effective May 1.
Ontario’s strong mayor powers regulation grants enhanced authority to mayors – or heads of council – in municipalities, especially in dealing with housing and related provincial priorities to support the construction of homes such as transit, roads, utilities and servicing.
Several councillors expressed their displeasure with the strong mayor powers.
Coun. Steve Bartley says, “This is wrong, I have passed it up through the ranks and actually told Premier Ford that this is one of the stupidest ideas he has ever had, he didn’t agree with me, he is still pushing it through.”
Coun. Brandon Forder agreed with Bartley’s sentiment.
“The whole concept of this is completely undemocratic and I am certainly not in favour of it,” says Forder.
Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney adds she feels there is no need to change the way council operates.
“We all participate in decision making and that has served us well. I would like to continue, certainly at this table, the way that we have,” says Keaveney.
CAO Shawn Everitt says council has the option to send a letter expressing its stance against the strong mayor powers.
Council approved requesting the premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack immediately remove Meaford from the list of municipalities designated under the strong mayor powers or offer municipalities the option to opt out.
