Town doesn't want "Strong Mayor" powers

If it’s up to the Town of Amherstburg, “Strong Mayor” powers are not welcome.

Town council unanimously approved a motion from Councillor Molly Allaire during its lengthy meeting which, in part, called for the town to be removed by the Ontario government from the list of municipalities getting such powers.

Mayor Michael Prue had the matter added to the April 14 town council agenda after receiving correspondence from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing last week informing him of the proposal to expand “Strong Mayor” powers to 169 more municipalities. That includes all Essex County municipalities. 

Prue predicted it will be decided by the province to put such powers in place, regardless of what the town wanted.

“I think as far as the province is concerned, it’s a done deal,” he said Monday night, later adding “it’s not clear, even if we oppose it, whether (the province) will impose it or not.”

The Amherstburg mayor told the public at the meeting that he was surprised to get the letter, which arrived last Thursday. He said the province wanted the town’s response by today (Wednesday).

“This came like a bolt out of the blue,” he said. 

The letter from Minister Rob Flack states he was pleased to inform heads of council “that our government intends to expand strong mayor powers to your municipality.”

“Our government’s expectation is that you will make use of these powers in a similar way, supporting provincial priorities that will help our province and our communities grow,” Flack’s letter says. 

According to Flack’s letter, heads of council in “strong mayor” municipalities can choose to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer (CAO); hire certain municipal department heads, and establish and re-organize 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 the mayor is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law 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; and to propose certain municipal bylaws if they are of the opinion that the proposed bylaw could potentially advance a provincial priority. Council can pass these by-laws if

more than one-third of council members vote in favour.

Prue indicated he has no interest in using such powers, should he be granted them. He said a goal is to create new housing but “Strong Mayor” powers “doesn’t do anything for new housing.”

“I don’t believe it’s necessary for a municipality like Amherstburg,” he said.

Prue recalled being asked about it in the last election campaign about whether he wanted “Strong Mayor” powers and “I categorically said no.”

Prue told the River Town Times last week that one one item that was of interest is the budget preparation item, but didn’t seem to have much use for the rest.

“I’ve never seen the need for it in a small town,” he told the RTT. “I don’t see the need for it. I’ve never needed them in the past.”

Meetings have been held with other Essex County mayors, he added, and they have discussed their positions on it. When the province announced it is proposing to expand “strong mayor” powers to an additional 169 additional municipalities, including Amherstburg, Prue was surprised by it. “It came as a shock to me,” said Prue last week.

The province is looking to expand the proposed “strong mayor” powers May 1.

“It seems like a very strange time to do it,” said Prue. “It’s right in the middle of the term.”Should such a measure be imposed, Prue suggested it come out during an election season when voters and candidates can consider it when they go to the polls.

Prue told town council Monday night that while he might not want them, the next mayor might.

“I’m the mayor now, but who knows what the next mayor is going to say?”

Residents were allowed to address town council on the matter during Monday night’s meeting, with two choosing to do so.

Jen DeLuca was short but decisive.

“It’s a hard no,” she said. “That’s all.”Larry Amlin cited the example of the tunnel bus being vetoed by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, adding he didn’t want such power coming to Amherstburg.

“We’re supposed to be living in a democracy,” said Amlin. “Democracy is where everyone gets a chance to speak.”

Allaire said other members of town council were elected as well “and we have a voice.” After being elected, she didn’t believe their voice should be limited.

“To come in and take it away is not fair,” said Allaire.

Councillor Linden Crain wanted confirmation whether the powers were coming for sure May 1, with CAO Valerie Critchley noting the short turnaround time for public feedback and a local decision.

“It’s been my experience, when that happens, it moves very quickly after that,” she said.

Crain said he was opposed to Amherstburg getting “Strong Mayor” powers.

Councillor Diane Pouget said she contacted Prue early after she found out to voice her opposition. Councillor Peter Courtney also said he was against it.

“This is legislation being pushed on to us,” said Courtney.

Courtney said he was “very concerned” about the proposal and “if the legislation gets pushed through, it is what it is.” He added “no one is asking for it” and it was “a strong no” for him.

“This is just shoving it down our throat,” he said. “It goes against all of our political views and how this country and this town came to be.”

Councillor Don McArthur said the issue went over “like a lead zeppelin” on social media and he was also opposed to Amherstburg getting such powers. He said while democracy is often “messy,” that is what he wants to see. 

“That’s how it has to be,” said McArthur. “It’s messy, muddled and extremely slow but it’s the best system we have.”

McArthur said soldiers died defending democracy, adding “power to the people. Power to democracy.”

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb agreed democracy can be slow and ugly “but it works.” 

“There are seven equal voices at this table,” said Gibb, saying he was proud to hear Prue say he wouldn’t use such powers.

“This is seven individuals chosen by this community to make tough decisions,” he said.

Gibb believed mayoral candidates in the 2026 municipal election should be asked whether they would use such powers.

“The province can do what it wants, but it’s not for us,” said Gibb.

The motion also notes “Strong Mayor” powers were not requested by Amherstburg and there is “a growing number” of municipalities in Ontario questioning the powers. The resolution will be sent to Premier Doug Ford, Flack, all local MPPs, all Ontario municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Town doesn't want "Strong Mayor" powers

By Ron Giofu