Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - The province is planning to extend strong mayor powers to an additional 169 Ontario municipalities, including Middlesex Centre. But are they likely to be used in Middlesex Centre? Mayor Aina DeViet told the Banner that decision making in Middlesex Centre will continue to follow current council voting procedures. “I don’t envision the need to use these added powers based on the processes and systems that we have in place at Middlesex Centre,” said DeViet.
Strong mayor powers apply to areas that focus on key priorities identified by the province; notably providing more new housing and development.
“By extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, we are providing mayors every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, in a news release.
The province announced the extension of powers earlier this month, with a date of May 1st to take effect.
The enhanced powers for mayors include vetoing bylaws if they’re seen as not aligning with provincial priorities. It also includes the ability to propose a municipal budget, subject to council amendments, and propose bylaws which can be passed with the support of more than one-third of council members.
When asked if the strong mayor designation needs to be applied to Middlesex Centre, DeViet responded “not at this time.” The mayor went on to say Middlesex Centre is already committed to building more homes and the infrastructure such as roads and water systems that supports housing. “Our residents have elected councillors in their wards to represent their interests – and these councillors are well acquainted with the wards in which they live. I strongly believe that it is incumbent on me as mayor to respect our residents and continue to work with all of council to make the best decisions possible for Middlesex Centre,” said DeViet.
The strong mayor powers were introduced in 2022 for Toronto and Ottawa. There are currently 47 municipalities with these enhanced powers, including London. “Until now, it has been larger, more urban, municipalities that have been given strong mayor powers. It will be interesting to see how these powers are used in smaller, more rural municipalities, given the different context in which we operate. For example, how will rural municipalities reconcile these powers designed to get more housing built quickly with our commitment to other provincial planning priorities, such as protecting farmland and encouraging economic diversification?,” asked DeViet.
