By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Mayor Darrin Canniff may have been offered “strong mayor powers” by the province, but he doesn’t want them.
Chatham-Kent’s top elected official made the statement following a lengthy discussion by council recently regarding a provincial scheme that offers “special powers” to mayors who commit to meeting housing targets to access cash under the Building Faster Fund.
It’s all part of the government’s plan to build 1.5-million homes by 2031.
Under the legislation, mayors gifted with the so-called powers can propose housing-related bylaws with the support of a third of council, as well as override some bylaws, plus direct the chief administrative officer’s activities, hire and fire administrative department heads and influence budgets.
For C-K to be eligible, the mayor must submit a formal letter to the housing ministry by Oct. 15 saying the municipality will meet 1,100 housing starts by 2031 as set out by the province in order to be eligible for funding of between $300,000 to $350,000 annually for a three-year period.
In December, mayors are expected to make an official pledge.
During the meeting, several councillors said they weren’t comfortable with the strong mayor’s proposal, raising concerns the legislation erodes the democratic process.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor said that while she has faith that Canniff wouldn’t misuse the powers, she’s worried about what could happen if someone else is in the chair.
“I have absolutely no qualms with moving forward with some of this under the direction of Mayor Canniff,” McGregor said. But she noted the proposal in its present form raises “concerns with the future of democracy” and for the ability of councillors to represent their communities.
McGregor added she’s not willing to “sell her soul” for the price of a house or two.
Other councillors echoed McGregor’s comments, with North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville stating she doesn’t believe “unilateral power” should be extended to any mayor.
“It completely negates the purpose of council,” Jubenville said.
For his part, Canniff said he has no desire to obtain the powers saying he will submit the housing pledge but respectfully decline the powers.
“When we started talking about special mayor powers and the media was asking me, I said we work well together as a council,” Canniff explained, adding he didn’t see a place for it in Chatham-Kent.
“So, to me, it’s a pretty easy decision to say no to those powers,” he said.
He called the solution a way for C-K to “have our cake and it too,” noting that navigating the province’s proposal has been a “convoluted process.”
Bruce McAllister, C-K’s general manager of community development, told council Chatham-Kent is expected to meet the 1,100 housing starts by 2031 and is likely on track to surpass the target.
The meeting saw council vote in favour of Canniff submitting the October letter, but decline the powers.
