MINTO – Two municipalities in Wellington County have been selected to receive “strong mayor powers” and some Minto councillors feel “highly insulted” and concerned by the move.
The province announced on April 9 the proposed powers were to be received by 169 additional municipalities in Ontario that have six or more councillors, effective May 1.
In Wellington County, the move would affect Minto and Centre Wellington.
Under the legislation, “strong mayors” have the power to set budgets, hire and fire senior staff, rearrange municipal departments and change bylaws.
Provincial officials say the purpose of expanding strong mayor powers – currently 47 municipalities have them – is to help deliver on priorities such as building homes, transit and other infrastructure needs.
“It’s not a necessary action and it’s actually fairly insulting to both the people who take the time and effort out of their lives and schedules to sit on council, and the staff that are working behind us,” deputy mayor Jean Anderson stated at an April 22 Minto council meeting.
“The message seems to be that we’re not building quickly enough to suit the Ontario government.
“We would build quicker perhaps if they funded us better.”
Anderson added the town has been asking the province for an increase in its base funding for “years and years and years.”
“The shovels aren’t hitting the ground because it’s not financially feasible anymore,” she said.
She also questioned the logic behind giving the powers to mayors on councils with six-plus members, noting, “There’s nothing about it that I like.”
Councillor Geoff Gunson suggested asking staff to bring a report back to council at a later date to help council understand the decision.
“The parameters are pretty clear; they want to endorse one person to be able to advance building if they don’t feel we’re meeting the goals that they have set,” Anderson replied.
She agreed the town should seek more information, but said she is unsure the “best way to get it.”
Councillor Paul Zimmerman said the province’s move to expand strong mayor powers doesn’t bode well for democracy.
“It’s pretty alarming the amount of municipalities that are flatly refusing this,” he said.
Zimmerman noted there is potential for corruption with “a little pay in the back pocket to fast-track building of some sort.”
“We know right now from down south of the border what one person in charge is capable of doing and I don’t ever want to see that in our country,” Zimmerman stated. “I am flatly against this.”
Councillor Judy Dirksen said despite the impact on Minto, she feels “pretty confident” not a whole lot would change “because that’s the kind of guy Mayor [Dave] Turton is.”
“We have a great council here and I think we have a great mayor here,” she said.
“I have never put the term rebel and Mayor Turton in the same sentence.”
Dirksen agreed with her colleagues that there is a need to spend more time understanding the powers.
At the end of the discussion, Turton stated, “I believe we should be positive and grateful to our provincial leadership for allowing Minto to be a part of this expanded list of municipalities.
“However, council and staff will need time to review the legislation and see how this new tool may impact our municipality.”
Minto council passed a motion for staff to bring a report back to council at a later date.
