Arran-Elderslie council says it’s opposed to the provincial government’s proposed expansion of strong mayor powers to the municipality.
Mayor Steve Hammell says in a statement, “Strong Mayor Powers undermine the collaborative nature of municipal councils and the essential role of all elected officials in local decision-making.”
On Monday, council passed a motion formally opposing the proposed changes and will be submitting its comments to the Province as part of the public consultation process.
The provincial government’s strong mayor powers regulation gives mayors or heads of council more authority, especially in dealing with housing and related provincial priorities to support the construction of homes such as transit, roads, utilities and servicing.
Additional powers for the mayor in strong mayor municipalities are the ability to appoint the chief administrative officer, hire certain division heads, reorganize municipal departments and create new committees and appoint their chairpersons.
It also grants mayors the ability to propose bylaws that advance certain provincial priorities, and pass them with only one-third support of council. The mayor can also veto bylaws that “could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.” That veto power can be overridden by a two-thirds vote by council.
Arran-Elderslie’s statement to be sent to the provincial government says the proposal raises significant concerns regarding the centralization of power, erosion of local democracy, reduced accountability and the potential for the abuse of power.
They say it undermines municipal governance and diminishes the role of elected municipal councillors that represent diverse interests in the community.
They say concern has been raised about the negative impact on public democratic participation and the municipal decision making process.
Council’s letter says it encourages advocacy for democratic principles and for municipal governance systems that prioritize collaboration, inclusivity and democratic engagement.
Mayors are not required to use their enhanced powers.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau has also said he opposes the idea of strong mayor powers.
Eight of the nine municipalities in Grey County, are on the list for strong mayor powers (Owen Sound, Meaford, Hanover, The Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands, West Grey, Georgian Bluffs and Southgate) but not Chatsworth because its council has fewer than six members.
Six of Bruce County’s municipalities are (Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Brockton, Arran-Elderslie, South Bruce and Huron-Kinloss) but not Northern Bruce Peninsula and not South Bruce Peninsula because they have fewer than six council members.
If it moves ahead, the expanded strong mayor powers will come into effect May 1st.
