Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin looks ready to embrace the province’s offer of strong mayor powers in order to increase the housing supply in the county.
Martin said in a news release that she’s confidant Norfolk will meet or exceed the provincial targets for both growth and housing.
“The strong mayor powers that will come from committing to our housing pledge will provide an additional tool to help the county increase its housing supply, enabling more residents – new and existing – to make Norfolk County their home,” Martin said.
The strong mayors power is given as a reward, along with housing funds, to municipalities projected to have at least 50,000 people by 2031 and that commit to meeting a provincial housing target.
Councils that accept the ‘strong mayor’ power by Oct. 15 will have a mayor able to pass housing-related bylaws with the support of one-third of their council, and override council approval of certain bylaws, moves that are seen by some as undemocratic.
“Improving housing supply and affordability is a number-one priority for municipalities across Ontario,” said Martin, adding that there are factors outside the county’s control when it comes to home building and, to meet the housing target it will take the cooperation of the development and community sectors.
“Our council continues to work together to advance priority development applications and I am confident that collectively, we will achieve our identified strategic priorities.”
Norfolk County’s Municipal Housing Pledge will be considered at the council meeting on Tuesday, September 19.
While running for election, Martin said she agreed with the idea of giving mayors additional power to assist with development but was against allowing mayors to veto council decisions.
Brantford has been offered ‘strong mayors’ power and Mayor Kevin Davis asked for public input until the end of July.
It was announced Monday that Brantford is leading the province in its pace for housing starts.
Brant County, which is a hotbed of housing construction, is not one of the municipalities that’s been offered the strong mayor powers as of now.
There is no update from Haldimand County about considerations there.
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