Cornwall councillors sounded the alarm in 2025 over sweeping new “Strong Mayor Powers” granted by the province and later used by Mayor Justin Towndale throughout the 2026 budget process. During an April 29 meeting, City Solicitor Wayne Meagher presented details on the provincial legislation, which allows mayors to veto bylaws, hire or fire senior staff, and propose budgets independently. Cornwall was among 169 Ontario municipalities where the powers came into effect May 1. Councillor Carilyne Hébert called the changes “a fundamental restructuring of municipal governance,” warning, “We are quietly losing our local democracies.” Councillor Elaine MacDonald described the move as “an insidious way to destroy whatever vestige of democracy we still have.” While Towndale told councillors, “I don’t intend to abuse these powers,” and cited only one past situation-Massey Commons-where he might have used them, several councillors remained unconvinced. Councillor Dean Hollingsworth warned of unchecked power: “We have no recourse.” Others, like Councillor Syd Gardiner, emphasized their duty to the city, not Queen’s Park. Despite concerns, council passed the motion to receive the report.
L’article Councillors Oppose Strong Mayor Powers est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
