Local Mayors Push Back Against Province’s Strong Mayor Power Expansion

Power Expansion

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: A provincial plan to grant “strong mayor” powers to 169 more municipalities across Ontario, starting May 1st, is drawing criticism from local leaders in North Durham, who fear the move could undermine collaboration and erode democratic decision-making at the municipal level.

Brock Township Mayor, Walter Schummer and, Scugog Township Mayor, Wilma Wotten both issued statements this week opposing the use of such powers in their communities, emphasizing a preference for teamwork and shared governance over unilateral authority.

“It takes democratic powers away from the rest of Council,” said Mayor Schummer, in a statement. “Personally, I think our small Council has worked pretty well. I don't believe the Mayor, especially in a small community, should have or needs these kinds of powers. It would do nothing but drive a wedge between the Mayor and the rest of Council and that would not allow productive work to get done.”

The strong mayor legislation, introduced by the Province of Ontario, to fast-track housing and infrastructure projects, allows heads of council to propose budgets, hire and fire senior staff, and veto bylaws which conflict with provincial priorities. Originally implemented in larger cities, like Toronto and Ottawa, the province is now extending the powers to smaller communities.

Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten expressed surprise at the province’s announcement and reaffirmed her commitment to collaborative leadership.

“This announcement came as a bit of a surprise to us and our staff. We are working to review and understand the legislation,” said Ms. Wotten. “I committed, early in the term of council, to be a collaborative Mayor. I greatly respect and rely on the input of Scugog Council on projects and initiatives [which] shape our community. I am not looking to change how we work together and do not wish to create any barriers to our collaborative approach."

Concerns about how these powers could disrupt municipal operations have already surfaced in other parts of the province. In Orillia, Mayor Don McIsaac was recently granted strong mayor authority by, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Paul Calandra, in the wake of an ice storm emergency. Shortly after, Mr. McIsaac issued a “mayoral direction” reversing the hiring of Trevor Lee, as the city’s new chief administrative officer. Instead, he appointed, deputy CAO and city solicitor, Amanpreet Singh Sidhu using his new authority, sparking controversy and internal tensions.

While the province has pitched the powers as a tool to streamline decision-making and speed up development, some municipal leaders fear the changes could have the opposite effect, in smaller communities, leading to conflict, not progress.

For now, both Brock and Scugog’s mayors are standing firm: strong mayor powers may be being offered, but they have no plans to wield them.