Belleville council will vote today on a detailed and lengthy motion to reject Strong Mayor powers being offered to the city by the provincial government as part of an effort to build more housing faster.
Councillor Paul Carr’s motion essentially calls the Strong Mayor powers undemocratic and unnecessary, a position supported by Mayor Neil Ellis.
The powers are available if Ellis signs off on an agreement by October 15 to set a goal of 3,100 housing starts, both market and affordable, by 2031.
In return the province would provide significant funding to the city to meet its goals.
Strong mayor powers include allowing mayors to propose housing-related by-laws and pass them with the support of one-third of councillors, as well as override council approval of certain by-laws and prepare their city’s budget, instead of council.
Meanwhile city council has already approved an application for up to $22.5 million under the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund to build at least 875 new housing units.
