
Image from Twitter via @LukeCharbonneau
The mayor of Saugeen Shores is delegating the strong mayor powers back to council and staff.
Luke Charbonneau announced his decision to delegate the authority to appoint a CAO, manage the town’s organizational structure and employment matters, and establish determining functions and appointing chairs and vice chairs of committees during a meeting on Monday.
“These are the first three, there will be a future decision which I will put before you at some point pertaining to the budget, but these are the most critical for the time being with respect to the operation of the municipality,” says Charbonneau.
Coun. T.C. Halpin applauded the mayor’s decision to delegate the powers back to council and staff.
“I believe that you have earned a lot of respect in the community for what you are doing and I just really respect you for this and I think it is the best decision,” says Halpin.
Coun. Dave Myette echoed Halpin’s sentiment.
“You have taken the high road here and it has been recognized,” says Myette.
This comes after the province enhanced the strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities last month, which included Saugeen Shores.
The powers give mayors or the heads of council more authority, especially when dealing with housing and related provincial priorities.
Charbonneau voiced his opposition to the powers in April, saying the current council structure has had tremendous success in the community and does not believe sidelining elected members of council is going to do anything but create disruption.
Other municipalities in Grey Bruce have also voiced opposition to the strong mayor powers.