Springwater Township to consider opposition to strong mayor powers

Springwater Township plans to table a motion to oppose strong mayor powers.

An area township could add to the growing list of communities voicing opposition to newly acquired strong mayor powers.

On May 1, the province officially expanded strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities, including 14 of Simcoe County’s 16 incorporated municipalities.

A motion spearheaded by Springwater Deputy Mayor George Cabral will ask that council “formally expresses its opposition” to the Ontario government’s expansion of strong mayor powers.

The motion states it seeks to “preserve local democracy, transparency and accountability.”

Several municipalities have already moved to do the same around Ontario and Simcoe County, including Orillia and New Tecumseth.

However, the move to reject the powers is symbolic, as only the province can repeal them.

Dep. Mayor Cabral was unavailable for an on-camera interview on Wednesday, but told CTV News watching other communities and mayors in Ontario reject the powers gave him reason to reflect on whether Springwater should do the same.

A special council meeting will also take place before Wednesday’s regular meeting, where a lawyer will present to council an overview of strong mayor powers.

Last month, Orillia mayor Don McIsaac used his strong powers to rescind the hiring of incoming CAO Trevor Lee and appoint Orillia’s Deputy CAO to the position.

That move caused controversy among residents and his fellow councillors, who denounced the move and petitioned for McIsaac to publicly answer questions surrounding the powers and his decision.

Springwater Township’s regular council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.