Isabel Mosseler
Tribune
During the May 6 West Nipissing municipal council meeting, Mayor Kathleen Rochon informed councillors that, effective May 1, she had been granted “Strong Mayor Powers” by the provincial government — a surprise move that left many members concerned about the implications for local democracy. “This came as a surprise to me,” said Mayor Rochon, adding that the powers were granted without any prior consultation. “I do believe in democracy, and I do believe in Council.”
The new powers, introduced by the province under the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act and its subsequent amendments, allow mayors in certain municipalities to unilaterally hire or fire senior staff, prepare and submit the municipal budget, and even veto council decisions related to provincial priorities. These powers, originally granted only to Toronto and Ottawa in 2022, then expanded in 2023 to cities with populations over 50,000 — all in the name of advancing provincial priorities. But the latest expansion was not based on population. Instead, West Nipissing became eligible simply because of the size of its council: eight members plus a mayor. CAO Jay Barbeau confirmed the change, explaining that West Nipissing became eligible due to a provision in Bill 34 which extends Strong Mayor Powers to heads of council where the number of councillors is between six and eight. “There was no forewarning to municipalities, no engagement,” Barbeau said. “It’s not up to the municipality to decide whether we accept these powers or not. It is now the law.”
While the Mayor emphasized that she has no intention of using the new powers, Council members expressed deep reservations about the legislation. “I believe it is an undemocratic thing,” said Councillor Kris Rivard. “We are all elected democratically (…) I think we should voice our concerns like the other municipalities that have written to the Minister and to the Premier.” Councillor Rolly Larabie raised concerns about future consequences: “Let’s say we have a different Mayor next term (…) all of a sudden, that person could come in and they have the right to do all those things without consulting Council. That’s scary.” Councillor Daniel Gagné agreed: “I don’t support it. It removes the democratic process. We were elected by the people, all of us.”
Mayor Rochon reiterated that she did not ask for the powers and doesn’t plan to exercise them. She pointed to one immediate example: while she now has the authority to appoint a Chief Administrative Officer on her own, she stated clearly, “I believe the hiring of a CAO should be a Council decision,” and has already returned the process to the CAO hiring committee.
As for next steps, the Clerk will compile a list of opposition letters from other municipalities, to be reviewed at a future General Government Committee meeting. Council will then decide whether to formally add West Nipissing’s voice to the growing chorus of concern. A formal response from West Nipissing may follow. “There’s still a lot we don’t know,” said Mayor Rochon. “But I believe we should talk about this as a Council, together.”