Prince Edward County Council unanimously voted to oppose two controversial provincial bills concerning strong mayor powers and accelerated housing development on Tuesday.

Bloomfield/Hallowell Coun. Brad Nieman brought forward the resolution calling for strong opposition to the Ford government’s Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act because of concerns over its application to additional municipalities; its erosion of municipal autonomy; and the instability it will cause council and municipal administration by giving mayors strong powers to legislate, set budgets, and control staff, unless overridden by two-thirds of their council.

South Marysburgh Coun. John Hirsch also brought forward a similar resolution objecting to certain elements in the recent More Homes Built Faster Act (which is still in second reading as of this story’s publication date). These include the ineffective proposed five per cent affordable housing subdivision (inclusionary) zoning limit; changes to the Heritage Act which force expedited designation decisions of heritage register properties; the curtailing of conservation authorities and their parent legislation (which could lead to wetlands development through offsetting); and the reduced development charges/levies.

Both resolutions will be sent to the provincial government, the 443 other Ontario municipalities and municipal advocacy organizations.

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