Another Huron County municipal leader is rejecting the province’s Strong Mayor powers.
The Ontario government this year expanded strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, including the Township of North Huron.
The powers give the region’s elected leaders the authority to veto or pass bylaws that promote the province’s priorities, including housing.
In a news release, North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer says he will not be using those newly appointed powers.
“I have made a conscious decision to delegate these powers back to our elected Council and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) wherever possible,” the statement from Heffer says.
“I am concerned that utilizing Strong Mayor Powers will undermine the work of Council, staff and the input from our residents and community partners and does a disservice to local democracy.”
North Huron is the second local government to reject the province’s Strong Mayor powers.
Goderich Mayor Trevor Bazinet reject the move in April, with concerns the powers could create tension in government by reducing accountability, and changing the balance of power in council.
