Huron County Warden, Glen McNeil, says a proposal from the Provincial government to give more power to municipal mayors would definitely be of interest to mayors in Huron County.
The legislation, called the Strong Mayors Building Homes Act was originally proposed for Toronto and Ottawa, as a way of encouraging the building of more homes. But it would give the mayors sweeping powers in a number of other areas and Premier Doug Ford has now suggested it could include mayors of smaller municipalities.
“Minister Clark made comments in his addresses to the Assembly at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario regarding that and giving more power and entrusting the mayors with more responsibility and that was very welcome," McNeil says.
He also points out, municipal politics is the politics closest to the people.
“The municipalities know what the residents in their respective municipalities both want and need and we're quite willing to address those challenges. However, with that we need the support of upper levels of government.”
McNeil says, certainly as far as attainable and affording housing is concerned, municipal politicians are very aware of the need and are anxious to address it, but he says, they need the support of upper tier governments.
