Muscle vs. Process: Renfrew grapples with provincial roll out of Strong Mayor Powers

The province’s latest expansion of strong mayor powers has been met with a frosty reception in Renfrew.

The powers, which the Ford government is rolling out to just under 170 municipalities on May 1st, are designed to give mayors the tools to reduce obstacles blocking shared priorities like the approval and construction of new housing and supporting infrastructure.

However, Councillor John McDonald believes the move puts too much control into the hands of one person.

That’s because the powers include the ability for a mayor to unilaterally appoint and dismiss the CAO and department heads, propose certain by-laws advancing provincial priorities that can be passed by a one-third vote, veto by-laws they think will interfere, and propose a municipal budget, among others.

Reeve Peter Emon says he’s been keeping an eye on situations where the powers have been used by mayors outside their intended scope, agreeing that the powers take away from what is meant to be a “messy” council process that demands honest discussion amongst all members to work.

Another wrinkle in the process is the fact that the powers would theoretically give Mayor Tom Sidney (who was absent for the discussion due to illness) around two weeks of extra influence over the 2025 budget process, which is not expected to be finalized until mid-May.

On top of that, Clerk Carolynn Errett says how the powers will effect budget talks is not readily clear to staff.

While Emon is confident that Mayor Sidney would not use the powers to get around the will of his fellow councillors, he is concerned that they could be used inappropriately during future council sessions.

(written by Kasey Egan)