Redekop not interested in using new provincial ‘strong mayor powers’

Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop is comfortable with the authority he has already, paired with a confidence in the rest of his council.

On Wednesday, the provincial government announced plans to give 169 additional heads of council strong mayor powers, the ability to do a number of things such as proposing bylaws if the mayor is of the opinion that it could potentially advance a provincial priority.

These bylaws could be passed with only one third of the council voting in support.

Strong mayor powers also give heads of council permission to veto bylaws if he or she believes they interfere with provincial priorities.

Choosing or appointing a chief administrative officer and hiring department heads are also part of what mayors who have this authority can do.

There are 47 municipalities in Ontario that have been given this designation since 2022, including three in Niagara: Welland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.

The province’s latest proposal involves eight of the remaining nine municipalities in the region taking on these enhanced powers, including Fort Erie.

Wainfleet, the region’s only township, was left out of Wednesday’s announcement.

In an interview with Fort Erie Radio Wednesday afternoon, Redekop said he’s not all that interested in putting the new powers to use if they are granted to him.

“I find them anti-democratic to be honest,” said Redekop, adding he doesn’t see a need for them.

“I think it’s important to ensure that all members of council are heard,” he said.

Strong mayor powers have been used across the province to support the building of more homes, a task local governments have been tasked with.

Redekop said his council is already welcoming to new builds, so long as they fit “our community, our existing neighbourhoods, and the vision we have for our municipality.”

The mayor added that he has a “very good council” consisting of “really experienced individuals,” and he has no plan to change how it currently functions.

He said the town operates “very much in line with provincial objectives,” reinforcing his position that he doesn’t see himself using the powers if they are given.

The province plans to add these powers to 169 new mayors by May 1, says a news release from the Ontario government.

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