Strong mayor powers extended to Kingston, Ont.
Ontario's strong mayor powers are being expanded to 26 municipalities across the province, including Kingston.
The new legislative tool gives mayors the ability to enact legislation without the majority of votes from council.
In the announcement Friday, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark says it is hoped cities can fast-track projects like building more homes.
"By adopting ambitious and absolutely necessary housing pledges, these 26 municipalities have demonstrated they understand the importance of that target, and we are ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed," Clark said.
"We welcome housing pledges from other municipalities to help reach our goal of 1.5 million homes by 2031."
Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Barrie, Vaughan and Brampton are among the cities receiving these new strong mayor powers.
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson says he does not plan to change his approach to working with council, but won’t rule out using the new tools.
"Anyone who has worked with me knows, I am not going to all of a sudden start wielding this tool but I am also not going to rule it out if there were situations in the future that may require considering it," Paterson said in a statement. "I think that’s just a practical and measured approach. However, more importantly we have a tremendous council, they are really committed to solving our housing crisis and working together and I look forward to continuing that."
If used, two thirds of the council would be needed to override any use of the strong mayor powers.
Speaking with CTV News Ottawa, Sydenham Coun. Conny Glen said she could not support the use of the powers.
"This to me is anti-democratic," Glen says. "I understand that building and planning are complex issues. It’s frustrating to get through that process, but to give one individual in your city that much power? It flies in the face of democratic principles."
She feels that Kingston council has been successful at pushing through legislation.
"We’re working around that horseshoe," she says. "I don’t want to see that balance get upset."
Ottawa’s Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has pledged not to use the strong mayor powers.
Every council member in Kingston that CTV News Ottawa spoke to on Friday said they have faith it won’t be used here.
Kingscourt-Rideau Coun. Brandon Tozzo took aim at the Ontario government's legislation.
"I think it’s just disappointment and the feeling that this is unnecessary," Tozzo says. "Like this strong mayor policy doesn’t provide more money for housing. This strong mayor policy does not provide more money for homelessness. This strong mayor policy doesn’t help us address any climate change issues.
"It is a hammer for a series of nails that doesn’t exist. It is giving the mayor potentially more power, and it isn’t giving us any more tools and resources."
Coun. Vincent Cianni raised concerns that the legislation can also be applied to things like hiring and firing department heads.
"With this council, I’m not worried about it," he explains. "But future council, you never know what could happen."
Coun. Jimmy Hassan says he can see why it would be appealing in some instances, but does not feel the legislation applies to Kingston.
"Particularly for Kingston, I’m unable to understand why we need more power to the mayor. We have a very collaborative, very progressive council,” he explains.
The new powers come into effect July 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
'A lot of function has been coming back': Hospital uses video games in patient rehab
The Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary has become one of the few hospitals in Canada to offer an adaptive gaming system for patient therapy.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict
Embracing Donald Trump's strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House.
Is carbon pricing a politically feasible climate policy? Research says maybe not
Research suggests the Liberals may be fighting a losing battle, and some experts are urging policymakers to look for alternative policies to lower emissions, warning the threat of climate change is too dire to delay action.
Baby dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to woman who was in police custody
A newborn is dead after being delivered via emergency C-section to a woman in police custody.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.