Springwater mayor uses strong mayor powers to override council, push Barrie boundary plan forward

Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin is sending a message that she intends to move forward with a controversial plan to change the township's boundary.

Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin has essentially put her foot down, sending a message she intends to move forward with a controversial plan to change the township’s boundary by vetoing part of a recent bylaw passed by council, specifically related to a legal challenge.

At Wednesday’s meeting, council voted against the City of Barrie’s proposal to adjust its boundary with the township, but Coughlin quickly stepped in, using her strong mayor powers to override the vote.

That’s when council voted 4-3 in favour of calling on the township’s legal team to challenge the mayor’s decision in court.

The move would have blocked any further decisions on the boundary deal until lawyers completed a review of the situation, but just two days later Coughlin directed township staff to immediately end the engagement of Loopstra Nixon LLP as legal counsel.

Under Ontario legislation, strong mayor powers give mayors the authority to make certain decisions or take actions without needing full approval from council. These powers are designed to help mayors act on important issues, especially those that align with government priorities like building housing or improving infrastructure.

In the document on the township’s website Coughlin says the bylaw directing the law firm to start legal proceedings could hinder the province’s goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031 and supporting infrastructure for housing.

“In particular, council’s decision to challenge the use of strong mayors powers and to obtain injunctive relief constitutes an interference with a prescribed Office of the Mayor provincial priority as it seeks to quash a decision that could potentially advance a provincial priority,” Coughlin stated in her mayoral decision.

The mayor directed staff to retain external legal council to represent the township on all matters relating to the Barrie boundary adjustment “in order to potentially advance prescribed provincial priorities.”

Over the weekend, Coughlin posted on Facebook addressing the community directly, encouraging residents to reach out with questions or concerns following her decision. She also acknowledged some negative comments including gender discrimination.

“Thank you, however, for the recent opportunity to engage in a different kind of teaching moment with my teenage daughters — specifically, what “Cee U Next Tuesday” means. This role knows no limits. And while some of the “adult” and misinformed commentary has been disappointing, it has also offered a very real example of what it means to stay on the high road, no matter what.”

Coughlin listed her contact information and stated that her “door has always been open.”

CTV News has reached out to Mayor Coughlin multiple times in recent weeks and has been declined requests for a statement and interview.