Whereas the Ontario government has granted ‘strong mayor powers’ to 170 additional municipalities under this legislation with an intent to accelerate provincial priorities, streamline processes, and increase accountability and
Whereas the Municipality of Kincardine recognizes the opportunity to address these outcomes without exercising ‘strong mayor powers’; and
Whereas ‘strong mayor powers’ include anti-democratic principles that will result in the centralization of power, erosion of local democracy and democtratic participation, reduced accountability, and the potential for the abuse of power as expressed by many other municipalities as well as political and administrative municipal associations in Ontario; and
Whereas the expansion of ‘strong mayor powers’ undermines the collaborative nature of municipal governance and the decision-making processes, and diminishes the role of elected municipal councillors in representing the diverse interests of the ratepayers and broader community, if mayors are given the ability to bypass council decisions without adequate consultation or oversight; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Kincardine hereby opposes ‘strong mayor powers’; and
That the Council formally expresses its opposition to the Ontario government’s decision to expand ‘strong mayor powers’ in favour of preserving local democracy, transparency, and accountability; and
That the Council encourages advocacy for democratic principles and for municipal governance systems that prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and democratic engagement; and
That the Council formally requests that the Ontario government rescind these Strong Mayor Powers from the Municipality of Kincardine; and
That Council adopt the principles of accelerating provincial priorities, streamline processes, and increase accountability – recognizing ‘strong mayor powers’ are not needed in order to address these goals; and further be resolved
That a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Province, the other 170 municipalities granted Strong Mayor Powers, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.