Strong Mayor Powers to be extended to Pembroke in May

Ontario has recently proposed to expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 additional municipalities in the Province including Pembroke.

In certain instances, the head of council is granted additional responsibilities and authority, known as strong mayor powers. These enhanced powers apply to the head of council in any designated municipality, regardless of their official title—whether “mayor,” “warden,” or another term.

Mayor Ron Gervais remains somewhat guarded in his reaction to the idea suggesting that what’s being granted is pretty much already in play here in Pembroke:

When asked if these powers are going to make a big difference in the grand scheme of things, again Mayor Gervais appears to be nonplussed :

New housing starts has been at the top of the list when it comes to priorities of Council lead by Gervais, and there have been many significant strides forward in that regard in recent times. One of the main tenets of the strong Mayor powers points to enhanced input into infrastructure decisions. Gervais says that there is already a strong plan in place in that regard but there appears to be other obstacles to faster builds in the city.

Council has taken a proactive approach to the issue and have been formulating a plan to put the ball back in the court of the Province:

One of the hottest topics in the Valley for years has been the twinning of HWY 17 which is a plan that relies heavily on Provincial funding and over all buy in by Premiere Ford. Again, Gervais says wheels have been in motion on this front for a long time now but perhaps the extended powers might be a way of adding more urgency to the issue:

Expanded Strong Mayor Powers are expected to take effect in the added Municipalities as of May 1st of this year.

(Written By: Richard Evans)