Prince Edward County Council has voted to oppose the introduction of strong mayor powers to the community.
During Tuesday’s regular council meeting, Councillor Corey Englesdorfer put a motion on the floor to formally request that the province rescind the strong mayor powers.
In the motion, Councillor Englesdorfer said that strong mayor powers undermine council’s role in municipal decisions, and concentrates power with the mayor.
Councillor Englesdorfer also questioned the powers’ effectiveness in promoting the construction of more housing, which was the original reason for the new powers. He cited a statement by AMTCO, stasting the powers had not had an impact on housing starts in communities that had received them previously.
“This resolution isn’t about Mayor Ferguson. He’s demonstrated restraint and transparency since strong mayor powers were imposed,” said Councillor Englesdorfer. “The issue is much bigger than one person. The challenges to local government have rarely been more intense.”
In a recorded vote, the motion passed unanimously. A copy of the resolution is to be sent to Premier Doug Ford, Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Strong mayor powers were given to Prince Edward County, along with 198 other Ontario municipalities on May 1.
