Despite the housing crisis, north Simcoe municipalities are siding with the current process and shying away from a provincial alleviation to grant larger powers of authority to mayors.
In an announcement earlier Wednesday, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing listed Midland, Penetanguishene, and Tay Township among 169 municipalities that would receive an expansion of stronger mayoral powers, effective May 1 if passed. Those municipalities listed would join 47 others that have been enhanced since 2022.
With an intent to help build more homes, transit and infrastructure across Ontario, those powers would include the ability for a mayor to veto council-approved bylaws if they are (of it the mayor believes they are) contrary to provincial priorities, to propose municipal budgets and/or amendments, to bring new matters forward for council consideration, and more.
Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Rawson described the powers as “scary,” adding he asked that the matter be included in Wednesday’s council meeting for consideration, where he would be requesting a staff report on what the decision would mean, as well as the possibility he could refuse or decline to use those powers.
“It’s removing democracy, openness, transparency, and accountability for decision making,” said Rawson.
He admitted that on “thinking hard” about the impact the provincial decision had, there were no developments, new buildings or homes he could have brought to the town with stronger mayoral powers.
“I honestly can’t think of any.”
Midland Mayor Bill Gordon immediately wanted to assure his own municipal staff that they would not need to “walk on egg shells” as a result of the announcement. His comment was based on having kept an eye on other municipalities, citing Orillia as an example, where there has been “drama.”
“That (leadership firings) could be really disturbing to what, right now (in Midland), is a well-running municipality,” said Gordon. “I don’t want people to have that kind of fear.”
He described the expanded powers as another municipal tool, which he noted would likely sit unused with the other tools in the toolbox unless needed. Like Rawson, Gordon praised council decisions and couldn’t think of a situation where the process would have benefited any developments or housing projects in the recent past or present for Midland.
In contrast to Penetanguishene, Gordon stated he had no intent to bring the matter for staff direction at Wednesday’s Midland council meeting.
Tay Township Mayor Ted Walker was unavailable for comment.
The proposed amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 — to expand strong mayor powers and duties to additional municipalities — can be found on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry. Comments on the proposal can be submitted via email through the site, including any attachments, with a due date of April 16.
