Ontario’s municipal affairs minister is suggesting the appointment of regional council chairs with expanded powers, similar to the so-called strong mayors.
Waterloo Regional Council Chair Karen Redman responded to the legislation by emphasizing her commitment to enhancing essential services for the municipality, such as infrastructure, transit, and community supports.
“I am proud to have been elected twice as Regional Chair by this community. We share the Province’s goals and my focus continues to be on these priorities, now and throughout the months ahead, as next steps are determined,” she said in a statement.
This initiative comes after an unsuccessful attempt by Niagara Region’s former chair to explore merging municipalities in that area, which Premier Doug Ford has shown personal support for. While the mayors of Niagara’s largest cities are in favor of amalgamation, most of the 12 Niagara mayors opposed it-this was a condition set by Ford for proceeding.
The legislation introduced today by Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack would enable him to implement weighted voting at Niagara Regional council, reduce its size from 32 to 13 members, and directly appoint regional chairs in Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo, York and Simcoe County.
The bill would also grant these appointed chairs “strong chair” powers that include appointing or dismissing the chief administrative officer and division heads, directing staff actions, vetoing specific bylaws and proposing municipal budgets.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the province on the important services and policies that our community depends on,” Redman said on the issue.
The provincial government has already granted strong mayor powers to leaders in 216 municipalities.
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