With “strong mayor” powers coming into effect on July 1 for 26 municipalities, including the City of Cambridge, Mayor Jan Liggett says her new authority won’t impact the way council currently operates.
The strong mayors will have the power to set budgets, veto bylaws and pass bylaws with just one-third of their council’s support, with the caveat that these bylaws deal with provincial priorities like getting more housing built.
The powers were granted by Premier Doug Ford at an announcement on June 16.
“On February 28, 2023, city council unanimously endorsed the pledge to build 19,000 homes by 2031,” Liggett said in a statement.
“In the four months since we have 12,000 units in active applications and are well on our way to meeting our targets. Council and staff will continue to encourage developers and homebuilders to get shovels in the ground to reach those targets."
It will be left up to each mayor’s discretion on how to best use the the powers given to them by the provincial government.
Liggett says it wasn’t something she was asking for and she believes in her council’s ability to collectively make decisions that are best for the community.
“Democracy is alive and well around our horseshoe and that will continue in the future,” she said.
“I have such an amazing council that understands its responsibilities and the hope is that we steward Cambridge, together as others have before us, and leave behind for future generations a legacy of a spirited city where everyone wants to live and business flourishes.”
Cambridge councillor Scott Hamilton and regional councillor Doug Craig both expressed their opinions when the announcement was made, saying while they have concerns with the news as a whole, they have faith in Liggett’s judgment and decision making.
“I have confidence that Mayor Liggett will execute these powers responsibly and carefully,” Hamilton said.
“We've all been tasked with building an amazing city together and that hasn't changed at all. We have a council that cares and I'm truly excited to work with them all.”
Craig, who sits with Liggett on regional council, feels the same.
“I don't see that being a particular problem with any of the mayors in Waterloo region,” Craig said.