Grey Highlands Council (Image from Grey Highlands YouTube)
Grey Highlands is opposing the provincial government’s expansion of strong mayor powers.
Council during its meeting Wednesday unanimously decided to formally oppose the expansion of the powers and to request the Ontario government remove the municipality from the expansion. Grey Highlands is also asking the province to create a way for municipalities to opt out of strong mayor powers.
This comes after the province approved enhancing the authority of mayors in 169 more municipalities across Ontario at the beginning of the month.
During discussions, several councillors spoke out against the expansion of the strong mayor powers.
Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen says, “the premise of the strong mayor powers is to, in my opinion, throw a wrench into that civility at the table. There is only one reason to use the powers and that is to go against the majority of council. So if the majority of council wants to do something, then the mayor has the power to veto.”
Coun. Tom Allwood adds other councils have chosen to delegate the powers granted under the strong mayor expansion back to council and the CAO when appropriate.
“We have all talked about the need for more housing and available housing. It aligned with that goal that we have, but there is lots within the strong mayor powers that concern me, especially when it comes to directing staff, and directors and CAOs,” says Allwood.
Coun. Nadia Dubyk and Nielsen recommended the municipality respond to the province expanding the strong mayor powers.
Grey Highlands joins other municipalities in the region opposing the strong mayor powers.
