Hub Staff
In a media release early this month from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Province of Ontario announced its intent on extending Strong Mayor powers to the heads of municipal councils in 169 jurisdictions, including Saugeen Shores, Arran-Elderslie, South Bruce, Hanover, Kincardine, Owen Sound, and Georgian Bluffs.
In an open letter to residents dated April 15, 2025, Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau opposed this policy change and shared his concerns about its potential impact on the Saugeen Shores community.
"The Strong Mayor legislation effectively sidelines elected members of Council with respect to certain important matters affecting the operation and governance of the municipality," wrote Charbonneau, adding that it would give mayors mayor increased power over the municipal budget and committees and enable them to veto certain decisions made by Council and to hire or fire senior staff without Council’s approval.
Charbonneau went on to say that Saugeen Shores has thrived on the principle of shared leadership. "We have an effective team of elected representatives working in partnership with a professional staff to achieve goals that are transparently set out in our strategic plan and annual business plans," Charbonneau said, calling this approach to governance "foundational to building trust between the municipality and the residents that it serves."
Charbonneau said he fears that the unilateral decision-making enabled by strong mayor powers would erode this trust and disrupt the collaborative environment that "has long been at the heart of the democratic tradition of our Council and community."
The province suggested that that giving mayors additional powers would help to deliver on provincial priorities to build more homes and infrastructure but Mayor Charbonneau said he doesn't see how as council has made what he calls "significant strides" in building Saugeen Shores' infrastructure and has found "creative ways" to enable housing.
"In my opinion, it is crucial for the people of our community to be consulted before these major changes to the structure of our municipal government are advanced," Charbonneau said, adding that on April 14 Saugeen Shores Council approved a letter to be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing outlining Saugeen Shores' opposition to these policy changes.
The letter also advocates for a thorough consultation process with affected municipalities and their residents before any changes are implemented.
"I urge the residents of Saugeen Shores to join us in submitting comments to the province on this proposed expansion to O.Reg. 530/22," said Charboneau. "The legislation is open for comment until April 16, 2025," he added.
To see the details of the Strong Mayor Powers, visit www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-municipal-councillors-guide/10-strong-mayor-powers-and-duties.
To read Mayor Charbonneau's letter to the province in full, see pub-saugeenshores.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=4254.
Arran-Elderslie Council also opposed the move during their April 14 council meeting. "Arran-Elderslie took a firm stance against the proposed expansion of Strong Mayor Powers" by the province, said an April 14 media release.
Mayor Steve Hammell said the move would "undermine the collaborative nature of municipal councils and the essential role of all elected officials in local decision-making."
Arran-Elderslie passed a motion formally opposing the proposed changes and will be submitting its comments to the Province as part of the public consultation process.
