On May 12th Council agenda there is a staff report detailing how the new “strong mayor powers” function. On May 1 these new powers have been granted to a total of 170 municipalities in Ontario. I can hardly write about this as where does one begin?   It is so undemocratic! Over the last several years, under the current Premier, there have been numerous regulatory changes  which have “chipped away” at the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in decisions being made. He is no longer chipping but now is using a mallet to force himself and cabinet into how the municipalities do their work. No evidence as to why the changes are required to deliver the provincial priorities is provided.

I consider the concept to be exceedingly disrespectful of council members which then means it is disrespectful of citizens who have voted for those council members.

I am also affronted by the effort that Township staff has spent to understand what these new powers are and to translate it to us. When you think that it has been applied to 169 other municipalities, many which will be much smaller than King, the effort spent will be significant.

I have absolutely no evidence but having read our staff report I think these new powers create a framework for corruption because of ignorance and misunderstanding about what these powers are. To clarify I am not referring to King Township But I’m thinking of the much smaller municipalities. When I was actively involved with Monitoring the Moraine it was very evident how a municipality like King was well positioned to implement all the regulations of the ORMCP in comparison to the much smaller municipalities..

As always deputations can be made. To do so please register at clerks@king.ca by noon on  MAY 12 or If you prefer you can e-mail your comments to clerks@king.ca and they will be distributed to Council members and appropriate staff.