In a recent letter to the Provincial government by Saugeen Shores resident, Odette Bartnicki, member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), she raises many issues of concern regarding the ‘Strong Mayor’ powers announced.
For instance, the official announcement was made by the province on April 9th but the public only had until April 16th to provide any input through an on-line portal. In Saugeen Shores, the issue came to the fore at the town’s Council Meeting of April 14th, Arran-Eldeslie’s on April 12th and other municipalities only days before the deadline for public input.
Among the many points Bartnicki raises, she also asks many questions, such as … Can the provincial government compel mayors to use Strong Mayor Powers to further provincial priorities if a Municipal Council collectively disagrees? Will declining the Strong Mayor Powers result in cuts to funding for provincial priorities, such as housing?
After discussion at Saugeen Shores Council meeting on April 14th, both Council and Mayor chose to decline the Strong Mayor Powers put forth by the province. Mayor Luke Charbonneau issued a public statement to residents citing his reasons for not wanting the Strong Mayor Powers to be initiated.
To read Bartnicki’s entire letter to the Province CLICK HERE>
