Orillia mayor’s use of strong mayor powers sparks heated debate

A special meeting to discuss Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac's strong mayor powers got heated in council chambers Thursday evening.

A special meeting held in Orillia Thursday evening drew strong opinions as residents and councillors weighed in on Mayor Don McIsaac’s use of ‘strong mayor powers’ - a controversial tool granted by the province that give mayors added authority to make decisions without full council approval.

The public session featured an in-depth presentation from Toronto municipal and land use lawyer John Mascarin, outlining the legal origins and practical implications of these powers introduced by the Ford government to help expedite key municipal decisions.

“Priority projects simply take too long, too long to get through municipal councils and through committees,” Mascarin said.

Mascarin explained that while the mayor can veto certain council decisions, a two-thirds majority from council could override that veto. In other cases, the mayor may need support from more than one-third of council to pass specific bylaws.

Public feedback was sharply divided, and some councillors expressed unease that their roles could be diminished under the current system.

Tensions escalated at one point when Councillor Janet-Lynne Durnford challenged the mayor’s decision-making.

“Point of order,” Durnford said. “Mayor McIsaac, I think it’s evident to all of us and to the gallery that you are making allegations here.”

“Your point of order is denied,” the mayor responded, shutting down the exchange, which was followed by chuckles from the gallery.

In an interview with CTV News, the mayor defended the ongoing discussion. “I think this is something that democracy does. You debate open issues and talk about them in a civil manner.”

The province will ultimately decide whether McIsaac’s strong mayor powers remain in place or are rolled back.