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8 bd 3 DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com Oakvill MAYOR, COUNCIL SAY PROVINCE CAN KEEP STRONG MAYOR POWERS Act and the funding of more affordable housing." The tin ae seconded by Ward 2 Coun. Cathy Di Burton ais0% see in on the motion. He noted there is no possible way Oak- ville and Halton could have enjoyed the ac- lishme compl ents and successes they have nior staff to develop policy Proposals: cre. achieved without town and reonal coun: ateand reor ill work asa and 4 create committees and appoint com to do with the Strong Mayor Powers the prov- Oakville Beaver | Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 2 ‘OMeaan argued this concentration of of ince wants to bring Council voted Se ieosty during its Monday, Jan. 30 meeting to officially op- pose Bill 3, the Strong Mayo1 suilding Homes Act, 2022, and Bill 3, thoBeter Mu nicipal Governance cillors to effectively represent thet constit, uents and therefore s local re- presentation and local democracy. Ward 1 councillor said no public consultation was undertaken before mak- The bill: to advance provincial priorities, such : a8 housing, by allowing mayors to do things like veto majority council decisions that conflict with these priorities. The province has already rolled out these Strong Mayor Powers in Toronto and Ottawa with Premier Doug Ford noting the powers will come to other regions and large municipalities within a year. Inhis motion, | Ward1 Coun. Sean O'Mea- support of council; propose and adopt mu- nicipal budgets; hire, dismiss and direct se- *Some conditions may apply. insidehalton.com With over 200 fully-prepared frozen meals and free delivery*, why not start a new tradition tonight? and questioned the province's assertions will lead to the bi more housing called on the province to reconsider this oT dation and asked that Mayo) Burton write a letter to Ford communica ing both his and council's opposition. oe Changes to the Municipal Act, 2021, are unnecessary and will negatively affect the Town of Oakville," said O'Meara. “If the stated goal of this legislation is to construct more housing in Ontario, this can be accomplished through other means, including the amendment of the Planning HEART HOME MEALS. ‘CU MAL AADEFOR EE “Our strong council has done a bess We stopped an inappropriate gas plant. We con- served the Glen Abbey cultural heritage landscape. We prioritized growing our tree canopy and have made great progress to- ward our 40 per cent goal by 2057. We have ensured that we have the healthiest financ- es and fiscal reserves in Canada," said Bur- ton. "I will continue to serve as a mayor who wants to be known for collaboration and teamwork. There is simply no other way to accomplish anything for our residents." The mayor noted he is guided by the old proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Council, including Burton, voted una mously to oppose the province's Strong Mayors legislation. O'Meara called for the 1 resolution to be sent toa the Associati of. ‘Municipalities of Ontario, the leaders of all parties represented in the legislature, and all members of provincial parliament. INPUT SOUGHT ON PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET e Halton District School Board is looking for input from parents/ guardians, community members, staff and students concerning the development of the 2 2024 budget. Individuals are encouraged to provide input by March 6 through an online ques- tionnaire found on the | HDSB's Budget In- put page. Before providing input, individuals are encouraged to review the Board's Mullti- Year Plan 2020-2024, Special Education Plan and Operational Plan at hdsb.ca. A key objective of the annual budget process is to align the HDSB's financial resources. with these documents. Community members are also able to delegate to the board of trustees by follow- ing HDSB's delegation procedure. PRON Palermo Villa insemnen Semon une wart @ 3136 Dundas St . W., Oakville, ON | PalermovVillageRetirement.com Let there be more joy and laughter in your living. More than a place to live, it’s a place to enjoy life and call home. Independent Living | Assisted Care | Short Stay and Respite Call today to book your personal tour (905) 582-0395