Uxbridge's Barton to be given ‘strong mayor’ powers

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton has been included in the newly announced list of mayors who will be granted ‘strong mayor’ powers at the beginning of May. Cosmos file photo

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced about a week ago that the so-called “strong mayor powers” will be extended to the mayors of 169 municipalities across the province. Among those named to take on the extra powers is Uxbridge's Mayor Dave Barton.

The strong mayor powers were originally granted to Toronto and Ottawa, but since then the list has grown to 47 communities. With Ford's announcement, that number is now 216.

According to the Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide, strong mayor powers give those so named the ability to win votes on council with less than a majority, the power to hire or fire certain department heads without council approval and the authority to pass budgets.

But the main reason cited for granting strong mayor powers is so mayors can facilitate provincial agendas and priorities, including making it easier to get houses built.

In a press release last week, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said that extending the powers to more municipalities will “help reduce obstacles to building housing and will streamline local governance.”

Local councillors were somewhat cautious in their comments about the new role for Barton. Gord Shreeve of Ward 2 said he wasn't ready to comment yet because he wants to learn more about what's involved. Pam Beach of Ward 1 was of a similar mind, saying she wants to talk with Barton first.

"I want to know how he's going to handle it," she said.

Willie Popp of Ward 4 said that with 169 new strong mayors named, he would have been surprised if Barton was not included.

Regional councillor Bruce Garrod said he doesn't believe it will impact the day-to-day business of council.

"I'd be surprised if he ever had a reason to exercise those powers," Garrod said. He also said he didn't think would affect what happens at regional council.

Todd Snooks of Ward 5 and Zed Pickering of Ward 3 were not available for comment at press time.

As for Mayor Barton, he said that "while this may change some technical aspects of the budget process and decision-making structure, it won’t change the way I lead or the way our council functions."

He said he believes the best outcomes come from collaboration and a diversity of perspectives.

"Uxbridge is fortunate to have a council that works exceptionally well together: we vote unanimously on 99 per cent of items," he said. "These new powers will not alter that dynamic. Our focus remains on delivering meaningful projects for Uxbridge. My commitment to teamwork, transparency and putting Uxbridge residents first remains unchanged."