Following a presentation from town staff, Cobourg council debated the new strong mayor powers given to Mayor Lucas Cleveland at its April 30 special session.
With the mayor absent and Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty in the chair, politicians listened to a presentation from town staff giving their interpretation of the legislation.
On April 9, the Ontario government announced that 169 municipalities would receive strong mayor powers. Northumberland County’s recipients were Cobourg, Brighton, Port Hope, and Trent Hills. The powers took effect on May 1.
The government issued a letter to municipalities outlining the powers, including:
“Heads of council in strong mayor municipalities can:
- Choose to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
- Hire certain municipal department heads, and establish and reorganize departments.
- Create committees of council, assign their functions, and appoint the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of committees of council.
- Propose the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate mayoral veto and council override process.
- Veto certain bylaws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the bylaw could potentially interfere with a provincial priority, such as housing, transit and infrastructure. Bring forward matters for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
- Propose certain municipal bylaws if they are of the opinion that the proposed bylaw could potentially advance a provincial priority. Council can pass these bylaws if more than one-third of council members vote in favour.”
Mayors can hold on to the strong mayor powers or delegate them to staff or others.
Councillors raised concerns over the legislation’s undemocratic nature and potential divisiveness.
By the end, council requested a directive from the mayor to indicate if the which powers he intends to retain or delegate. Councillors also asked staff to review various council policies, bylaws, and procedural bylaws to note any required changes due to the new powers.
Listen to the lengthy debate, concerns, and issues council members and staff raise as they navigate this new system.
In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.
It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.
Link to town’s website on Strong Mayor Powers
