Gilvesy has concerns with Strong Mayors court challenge

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg’s mayor doesn’t see a legal challenge of the province’s Strong Mayor legislation as a good use of taxpayers’ dollars, but does have concerns about changes in local decision-making.

The province introduced Strong Mayor legislation in 2022, with a small group of municipalities named for the change in administrative powers, with one of the main motivators being an intent to expedite home development. Since then, it has expanded to more locations, with Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Woodstock, and Stratford added.

Stratford recently mounted a constitutional challenge to the legislation. A release from the city states the challenge “raises constitutional considerations, including that the Strong Mayor legislation is inconsistent with section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the unwritten constitutional principles of the rule of law and democracy resulting in the removal of effective representation on City Council.”

Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy had concerns about the cost of such a challenge to Stratford taxpayers.

“I can understand an organization such as AMO challenging this in court, but I also believe local tax dollars should be spent wisely, and this could become costly,” she said, saying she will be following the case.

Gilvesy said, outside the budget, where strong mayor powers can’t be delegated except to staff with direction on how to prepare the budget, the powers are limited.

“I have never used them and have delegated all authority to council where possible,” she said.

Gilvesy understands the province governs municipalities through the Municipal Act, but she does see some overstepping. For example, the province will be appointing the regional chair for Kitchener-Waterloo instead of having the position elected.

“ I do have concerns about the erosion of local decision-making, particularly regarding housing,” she said. “I would prefer to see regional chairs or wardens elected at-large, as I believe that would be a more democratic process and would better represent higher-populated areas.”

She would also like to see Tillsonburg have another vote at Oxford County council, something this council and past ones have advocated for.