Another attempt by Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom to have the size of council reconsidered following the 2026 municipal election was defeated.
He was looking to hold public meetings in each township ward to hear resident’s thoughts on if a change is needed.
Hoogenboom proposed the consultation look into electing five to seven members at large, one councilor per ward, and one councillor per ward with a mayor and deputy mayor elected at large.
Councillor Jeff Banks opposed the motion and said because of strong mayor powers, “we don’t have a democracy anymore,” Banks said.
“Now that you have strong mayor powers, there’s no purpose of having a council at at all.”
He also took issue with an at large election because the eligible voter discrepancy between each ward would greatly favour South Crosby most likely leading to only South Crosby residents representing council.
Councillor Paula Banks opposed the motion, and said they’re busy enough as it is.
Hoogenboom has floated this idea before at previous meetings. Banks rhetorically asked the mayor why it’s alright for him to re-introduce old discussions, but not her or other councilloirs.
“We’re re-working stuff that we’ve already voted against,” Banks said.
“We get reprimanded when we bring stuff back but, I guess it’s who you are.”
Story by Grant Deme
