Guelph residents speak out against strong mayor powers at council meeting
A long list of people were speaking out in the Royal City during a Tuesday night council meeting.
Delegates lined up to raise their concerns for the strong mayor powers announced by the provincial government.
"Please put everything into effect that you can to protect the democracy of this chamber," one delegate said.
The mayor of Guelph is one of 26 municipal leaders who will be granted the powers as of July 1.
The legislation gives mayors the ability to veto bylaws that conflict with provincial priorities, like building more houses.
"Sadly, some of the more toxic and undemocratic aspects of the strong mayors act still exist," another delegate said. "For example, housing bylaws passing with a minority vote."
Many of the delegates asked that notice be given to the public if and when the power is going to be used.
Strong mayor powers for Toronto and Ottawa took effect back in fall of last year.
Ottawa set up a website for the public to find out more information. Guelph plans to do the same.
Staff say any decision and directives that are issued by the mayor will be made in writing and posted online.
Ward 5 Councillor Leanne Caron noted that they had still not seen the legislation for the strong mayor powers coming into effect.
"We anticipate seeing them hopefully later this week," a staff member said in reply to Coun. Caron. "We know what was publicly announced, so we expect this to look much like it looked in Ottawa, but that's not to say that there won't be some things in the regulation that don't surprise us.
"Be patient with us as we wait to see them and better understand them."
Council also voted on how long delegations can speak during planning matters, which will be maintained at 10 minutes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.