The province proposes expanding strong mayor powers to the heads of councils in another 169 municipalities.This would include St. Thomas, Aylmer, the Municipality of Central Elgin and the Township of Malahide.
The intent is to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the necessary tools to reduce obstacles hindering new housing and infrastructure development.
In a media release, Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, stressed, “Heads of Council are key partners in our efforts to build homes and infrastructure across the province.
“By extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, we are providing mayors with every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster. Mayors know their municipalities best, and we support them in taking bold actions for their communities.”
Strong mayor powers and duties include:
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Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
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Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and reorganizing departments.
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Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.
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Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.
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Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Council can pass these bylaws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour.
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Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.
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Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
The new strong mayor powers would be effective May 1.
We spoke with Mayor Joe Preston after the announcement on whether such powers are necessary at this time or in the foreseeable future.
Preston responded, “Well, I certainly would never hope to use the strong mayor powers. We have a council that gets stuff done because it agrees with the direction of the city and look at the big things we’ve been able to do with this council.“I hate to even talk about strong mayor powers in the group with them. I expect if this council doesn’t agree on doing it, it wasn’t working in the first place.”
Preston continued, “It’s there for the use of mayors in the communities where it’s been allowed to be used. But I would hope that every one of them would say, well, to what purpose do I need this?
“But again, in this time of crisis on housing, in this time of crisis on other things, I can see why, if the province wants to give it, so that if it wasn’t something that was causing us not to be able to fix housing crises, then I get it.
“But I think we work on it by working together rather than by separating powers.
“And that’s kind of what elections are for. When the electorate sent us there with certain messages they wanted us to pay attention to, whether it was dealing with homeless crises or housing crises, we all knew we were sent there to do that.
“If someone sat at that table and chose not to participate, then they would be part of that issue. But we’ve heard the people, we think that’s a better way to go, and we certainly can fine-tune it by our discussions at the council table, not with anyone having special powers.”
Preston concluded, “So I’m perfectly fine that the power’s been instilled in us, but I’d rather keep doing it this way. I think that’s what the people sent us to do: find friends and make good decisions.”
Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan issued a statement and advised, “I welcome the opportunity to learn more about how the program can help address local needs and advance the priorities of Central Elgin residents.
“I want to assure members of council, staff and Central Elgin residents that my focus will remain on upholding my commitment to fiscal responsibility, delivering essential programs and services, maintaining strong infrastructure, and fostering development that will shape the future of our community.
“That is what I was elected to do and will continue to deliver on.
Sloan concluded, “I will continue to prioritize listening to residents and collaborating with council colleagues and staff.
“I am grateful to have highly skilled public servants and dedicated members of council who know the community well.”
DECENCY RALLY IS ABOUT RIGHT AND WRONG
A boisterous gathering lined both sides of Talbot Street a week ago Saturday outside the campaign office of Progressive Conservative Party of Canada candidate Andrew Lawton in what was billed as a Stand Up for Decency rally. Those in attendance expressed concerns over Lawton’s egregious remarks in the past.
It was estimated that in the neighbourhood of 200 people participated.
Last week, organizer Christine Rudman told myFM, “I think a lot of people in our riding have some issues with Andrew Lawton and his worldview, to be perfectly honest. We’re in precarious times as a country. Our sovereignty has been threatened. We have fascism at the door.
“And I think it’s really important that we have someone qualified, for one, who grew up in the area, would be two, and who has the values that represent our region.”
St. Thomas native Donald D’Haene stressed the rally was about social issues including mental health.
“So, this isn’t about Andrew Lawton, it’s about social issues, mental health and I think this job is too much for him and the area needs someone who is healthy and is able to represent us.”
D’Haene added that many Conservative voters he knows are ashamed that Lawton – a London resident – was nominated to represent the party in the April 28 federal election.
Rudman added, “I think Andrew Lawton has an agenda that’s much bigger than this region, and it is, from my perspective, nefarious.
“I think it speaks volumes that Karen (former MP Karen Vecchio) wasn’t willing to endorse him.”
Although dressed in a rabbit costume Saturday afternoon, St. Thomas resident Candace was not in a particularly joking mood. She was one of the dozens who attended the rally. She expressed concerns that today’s Conservative Party does not support the same values that she and her parents remember in the past.
“I just don’t like how the Conservative party has changed, from the one my dad would vote for. And, a lot of long-standing Conservatives are very concerned that it has been taken over by extremists and very Trump-like.”
Rudman has serious concerns about the character of Lawton and comments he has made in the past.
“And I know that there’s been some pushback in our conversations with people who have been concerned that, you know, he’s copped to the egregious remarks he’s made in the past, whether it’s Islamophobic or homophobic or misogynist.”
She stressed the rally was in response to not being offered, “A legitimate candidate.”
A concern echoed by St. Thomas resident Nick.
“I want people to know both sides. I want people to hear both sides so they can make an informed decision about who may represent us in our community. Like I said before, this isn’t a right or left thing, it’s a right and wrong thing.”
Rudman added, “It’s well-documented how he feels about those communities. Now I know he’s kind of apologized and sort of pointed to his mental illness at the time as an excuse for this kind of rhetoric, but I don’t know that he’s changed.”
IGNITE YOUTH CENTRE SEEKS HIKE IN OPERATING GRANT
At last Monday’s (April 21) council meeting, Jodi Annett-Kish, Ignite Youth Centre executive director, addressed council to request that members increase an annual operating grant and approve a one-time capital grant for the centre.
The Talbot Street facility this year received $42,680 from the city as a grant for 2025.
The organization is seeking an annual funding increase of $57,000 and a one-time $40,000 operating grant “to enhance Ignite’s programs and facilities.”
The Ignite Youth Centre – initially operating as the Talbot Teen Centre – celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
In those two decades, the centre has become a second home for thousands of young people.
According to their letter to members of council the centre “Is a community where young people ages 12-19 find belonging, support and opportunities to grow.
“Through free programs focused on leisure and recreation, leadership, skill-building and creative expression, we help youth develop confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.”
The letter concludes, “For many, Ignite is the place where they form lifelong friendships, discover their strengths and build the foundation for a bright future.”
The request will be included in 2026 budget deliberations, which will likely begin in December.
The centre is planning a fundraiser on May 10 to help celebrate their 20th anniversary.
FOR THE CALENDAR
The final all-candidate meet and greet/debate is scheduled for this coming Wednesday (April 23) at the Keystone Complex in Shedden.
It is hosted by the Elgin Federation of Agriculture with three candidates expected to participate: Stephen R. Campbell, People’s Party of Canada; David Goodwin, Liberal Party of Canada; and Paul Pighin, New Democratic Party.
Andrew Lawton, Conservative Party of Canada candidate, did not appear at the Aylmer debate this past week, and it is unlikely he will attend this event.
THE ECHO CHAMBER
Kevin Smith continues to challenge those who raise concerns about Andrew Lawton’s past remarks online and in the media. This week, he posted the following on our Facebook page.
“So let me get this straight, the liberals are protesting comments made by Andrew Lawton, which he apologized for eight years ago.
“To me, this is making the woke mob look far more intolerant than the candidate they are protesting, who was suffering from a mental disability at the time. Shame on them for bringing up a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code to create a toxic and negative election environment.
“The hypocrisy of the protesters is mind-blowing, to say the least!”
Well, that prompted several responses beginning with this from Nigel Howcroft.
“You need not be a Liberal to object to the statements that the candidate has made. I voted for Ms. Vecchio (former Conservative MP Karen Vecchio) but cannot vote for Mr Lawton, and I know many Conservatives who feel the same way.
“There is a concern about whether mental illness can trigger comments of this kind. Not likely. Also, there is a major concern about how the candidate was nominated. Presumably, the party wished a far-right nominee to represent us and it was thought our riding is a safe enough one to guarantee that. That remains to be seen.”
M. Frances Kennedy applauded that sentiment.
“Nigel Howcroft, well said, thank you!”
Christine Rudman, rally organizer, zeroed in on her concerns and those of others in attendance.
“Our concerns regarding candidate Lawton go far beyond the deplorable statements made that he attributes to mental health struggles. At the very least, as a candidate, there is an expectation of reaching out to the offended communities to seek their forgiveness and to show a shift in perspective and growth.
“These very simple and crucial steps were never taken. Andrew Lawton’s response was to victimize himself and remind us that our scrutiny hurts his feelings.
“Asking his constituents to just ‘trust him’ is not only naive but a ridiculous ask during an incredibly important election. I assure you we have done our research, and I implore you to do the same.
” I have attached our information page for you. This isn’t about his party; this is about having the most qualified candidate to help us navigate these precarious times. You decide whether he speaks for you.”
And this is from Tan Park in response to Kevin Smith.
“That’s some fancy footwork . . . protecting one’s racism under the human rights code . . . while ignoring the human rights codes infringed and the folks harmed by the candidate’s racism.
“Your political spinner is busted.”
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And a reminder, I can be heard weekday afternoons as news anchor and reporter on 94.1 myFM in St. Thomas. As always, your comments and input are appreciated.
For the first time in 55 years I may not vote Conservative.