Whereas, the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus outlined in a letter dated October 24, 2023 to Premier Ford, their opposition to the imposition of Strong Mayor Powers to certain municipalities in the Province of Ontario; and,
Whereas, on November 1, 2023 Essex County Council expressed their support for the position of the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus regarding the Opposing of Strong Mayor Powers; and,
Whereas, on February 27, 2025 the Province of Ontario held elections, and subsequently, certain Members of Provincial Parliament changed, and certain roles within the Cabinet have changed; and,
Whereas, on April 9, 2025 the Province expanded Strong Mayor Powers to include an additional 169 municipalities, despite significant expressed opposition from municipalities impacted and not impacted.
Now therefore, the Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex expresses its renewed support of the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus position, Opposing the Strong Mayors amendment to the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act legislation; and,
Further, that a letter expressing said support be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local MPPs, the leader of the Official Opposition, the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and to lower tier municipalities in the County of Essex.