Strong Mayor Powers: Council’s Missed Opportunity to Speak Up by Councillors Morgaine Griffin & Michelle Graham On April 9, the Province of Ontario announced it would expand “strong mayor” powers to 169 municipalities, including Central Elgin. These powers allow a mayor to veto by-laws, hire and fire senior staff, and reorganize departments – potentially overriding council decisions if deemed aligned with provincial priorities. The public comment period closes April 16. In response, Councillor Michelle Graham and I submitted a motion urging council to reject strong mayor powers. The motion was delivered to the CAO after the 4 p.m. deadline, but earlier than other late motions she has previously received and accepted. This time, we were told it was too late. Even though our procedural by-law allows urgent items to be added as addenda, the motion still was not brought forward. At the meeting, residents filled the chamber expecting to hear a discussion. A request to move the motion up in the agenda was declined. A second attempt to raise it under other business was defeated. Though the comment deadline was known, no further action was permitted. This isn’t about personalities – it’s about process. A time- sensitive motion calling for collaborative, democratic governance was blocked from even being heard, with a room full of engaged citizens watching. Central Elgin Council has missed its chance to weigh in, where other municipalities already have, including Essex, Ingersoll,
Tillsonburg, Tecumseh, Leamington, LaSalle, Saugeen Shores, Norfolk County, Orillia, and Ottawa. If you have strong feelings about the expansion of strong mayor powers, I encourage you to share them directly with your MPP Rob Flack, who conveniently also serves as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
NOTICE to Members / Plot Holders of The Saint Thomas Cemetery Company
The Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the St. Thomas Legion, 24 John Street. All Members / Plot Holders of the Saint Thomas Cemetery Company are entitled to attend and to vote on matters put before the AGM. Please visit www.stthomascemetery.com for details.
Nashville Takeover of Port Stanley June 20–22, 2025
Stories. Songs. Southern Soul – Right Here in Port Stanley.
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as top Nashville singer-songwriters bring the heart of Music City to the shores of Lake Erie! Experience acoustic, “Bluebird Cafe”-style performances where award-winning artists share the songs they wrote—and the stories behind them—in an intimate, up-close setting. Multiple Venues. One Magical Vibe. Catch performances across town at: Two Forks, Windjammer Inn,
Port Stanley Festival Rooftop Patio, Wildflowers Farm, Secret Backyard Location, Brass Notez (St. Thomas).
Over 70% of tickets are already sold secure your spot now. DM @backyardmusicco on Instagram with the secret word PORTSTANLEY, Or email backyardfrontdesk@gmail.com.
Thanks to our sponsors
Port Stanley Villager
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Port Stanley Villager • May 2025 • Page 5
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