A regional councillor has expressed that the Ontario government’s plan to appoint the chair for the Region of Waterloo will “diminish local democracy” and favor certain groups.
“I wasn’t surprised, but I was hopeful it wouldn’t happen because what it does is diminishes local democracy and undermines councillors to reflect their jobs in terms of what the public wants,” Coun. Doug Craig told .
Craig, who represents the City of Cambridge on regional council and is a former mayor, raised concerns back in February. That’s when he submitted a motion urging the province not to alter the role of regional chair.
Last Thursday, the province announced a proposal to appoint regional chairs in regional municipalities including Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Peel, Waterloo, and York as well as Simcoe County’s warden.
Regional of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman stated in a message to after Thursday’s announcement that she is “proud to have been elected twice” by her community and remains focused on her duties.
“I remain focused on leading this regional council as we deliver key housing-enabling infrastructure, expand transit services and community supports, and work alongside all partners for a strong and affordable Waterloo region,” she said.
WATCH | Ontario to appoint 8 regional chairs; opposition calls it a ‘path to corruption’:
Ontario to appoint 8 regional chairs; opposition calls it a ‘path to corruption’
Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs Rob Flack intends to appoint eight regional chairs with “strong chair” powers akin to those given to strong mayors in some cities. NDP leader Marit Styles has labeled this move as a “path to corruption” lacking democratic accountability.
Appointing Regional Chair Won’t Speed Up Processes
A part of the province’s legislation would also grant regional chairs “strong chair powers,” similar to those given by some cities’ strong mayors.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack stated that this change would save money and streamline decision-making processes. He’s also asking regional councils for an evaluation of their “council composition” following municipal elections in October.
“These changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers and better alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities,” Flack mentioned in a news release.
“This is not going to improve anything,” Craig countered.
Craig added that since strong mayor and chair powers only need one third of council votes for legislation approval, “it’s going to play into special interest groups while local municipalities will have less say from their elected officials.”
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Several regional councillors believe appointing a regional chair undermines municipal democracy and have numerous questions about what this provincial decision means moving forward. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)
Other Regional Councillors Share Their Views
CBC K-W contacted all regional councillors for their opinions regarding proposed changes about the role of the chair.
A lot expressed concern that appointing a new chair could damage municipal democracy; they believe it should be decided through elections by local residents.
“It removes the democratic process for the residents of Waterloo region in their ability to elect by ballot the chair of the municipality that supplies 60 per cent of the services residents use every day,” Coun. Jim Erb said in response.
Waterloo Mayor Dorothy Mc Cabe mentioned that while she understands why the province wants one system for establishing chairs, she hoped they would choose an election-based approach instead.
“I think it’s always important for the provincial government to consult with certainly elected officials but also residents-the local residents-of Waterloo before making decisions like this,” she noted.
Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak commented on how challenging it is being a regional chair due to collaboration with various government levels. He believes it’s essential for such roles be filled through elections by people’s votes.
“To succeed in this role, I feel
The Chairshould have support from voters,” he said. “He or she will require an overarching understanding of our diverse communities.”
Coun. Joe Gowing from Kitchener remarked he’s seen similar appointments occur elsewhere like Niagara region along with discussions about amalgamation there stating it’s quite “anti-democracy.”
“I think this is just another step where this government feels entitled enough take over municipalities. It won’t be building bridges-it’ll create divides instead,” Gowing explained further while stating he won’t let these developments hinder his responsibilities post-election!
“It’s upsetting seeing our region’s decisions taken away from us at Queen’s Park,” he added solemnly!
This Raises Many Questions
A number of councillors are now left questioning what Thursday’s announcement implies going forward within their regions specifically concerning governance aspects moving ahead too..
Coun. Colleen James shared her thoughts saying even though change happens often out there still wondering whether its effective implementations! ”What do strong chairs/mayors mean when sitting around tables today?” She asked during conversations held amongst peers..
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