Kitchener mayor weighs in on strong mayor powers
Posted Jun 19, 2023 10:23:44 AM.
Local mayors continue to weigh in as the provincial government gives strong mayor powers to 26 cities in Ontario.
Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic said he cannot imagine having to invoke the strong mayor powers.
“I have seen some councils that have been dysfunctional,” Vrbanovic explained. “That is not the case in ours. We’re going to continue to work together as we have in the past and get things done for the residents of our community.”
Vrbanovic added that in the 8 years that he has already served as mayor, he cannot recall a time when he would have used the strong mayor powers.
The new legislation gives mayors the power to override council votes in an effort to fast track housing development.
The Kitchener mayor is not the only leader in the region turning down strong mayor powers.
Waterloo mayor Dorothy McCabe told CityNews 570 that she cannot foresee a situation with council and staff where she would need to invoke the legislation.
Cambridge mayor Jan Liggett and Guelph mayor Cam Guthrie are also on the list of leaders who will be able to use the strong mayor powers.
The new legislation will take effect on July 1st.
