The Ontario government has announced plans to add “strong mayoral powers,” to 169 more municipalities effective May 1st, giving council heads the ability to make certain decisions without council approval, including vetoing by-laws, and hiring and firing senior municipal staff.
Currently, 47 municipalities have these powers.
Perth Mayor Judy Brown was taken aback by the announcement and its impact.
She added she was opposed to the move.
Council will hold a special meeting on Monday April 14th to review the matter and vote on their position.
Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell, Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry, and Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow declined comment.
Athens and Lanark Highlands are also included in this rollout.
When asked by myFM if the additional powers could influence Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom into returning from his pause of some mayoral duties following council in-fighting he said, “I will still need to return to full duties when able but [Wednesday’s] announcement was a welcome one given current circumstances.”
Story by Brian Turner with files from Grant Deme