Small Ontario communities not yet ready to embrace Strong Mayor Powers [Video]

The provincial government’s decision to expand Strong Mayor Power legislation to include smaller community councils was an unexpected development for the mayor of Scugog Township, who said the policy directive will not change how she and her council do business.

“This announcement came as a bit of a surprise to us and our staff,” said Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten. “I greatly respect and rely on the input of Scugog Council on projects and initiatives that shape our community. I am not looking to change how we work together and do not wish to create any barriers to our collaborative approach.”

“I committed early in this term of council to be a collaborative mayor.”

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack announced this week that Strong Mayor Powers will be expanded to 169 municipalities, including the northern Durham townships of Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock, effective May 1.

“We are working …