Prescott is joining a number of other similar sized municipalities in Ontario in saying they don’t want Strong Mayor Powers.
In early April, the province announced that 169 more communities, including Prescott, are being invited to get on board with the program that they say helps deliver on provincial priorities, like building more homes, transit and other infrastructure.
At their regular meeting Tuesday night, many councilors said they don’t feel the powers are democratic and they voted to have a letter written by staff and sent to the province explaining that they aren’t needed in Prescott.
While council can send the letter, Prescott Mayor Gauri Shankar tells Moose FM that they don’t have the ability to turn them down out right.
“We’re going to spend half an hour, 45 minutes, to do something that nothing’s going to be done about, so be it. Actions speak louder than words so if we’re not using the Strong Mayor Powers there’s nothing to worry about.”
The province says the powers reflect the province’s commitment to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development.
