Council Highlights - May 12, 2025

Council Highlights are a summary of key topics discussed during each session of the Town of Shelburne Council.

Council Highlights – May 12, 2025

Below are the highlights from the Virtual Council meeting held on Monday May 12, 2025. The Council meeting is on the Town's YouTube Channel.

Watch the YouTube video for the Council Meeting held Monday May 12, 2025.

Presentation

Council received the 2024 Audited Financial Statements from Murray Short, RLB Auditors.

Proclamations

Mayor Wade Mills on behalf of Council proclaimed May, 2025 as Sexual Violence Prevention Month in the Town of Shelburne. Read the full Sexual Violence Prevention Month Proclamation. 

Mayor Wade Mills on behalf of Council proclaimed May 18-24 National Public Works Week in the Town of Shelburne. Read the full National Public Works Week Proclamation.

Report from the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Expansion of Strong Mayor Powers to the Town of Shelburne Report

Council received the report about the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers to the Town of Shelburne and information about how it will impact the Town going forward.

Notice of Motions

Council unanimously passed the Notice of Motion presented by Councillor Wegener:

Whereas the Province announced expansion of Strong Mayor Powers to an additional 169 municipalities, which includes the Town of Shelburne to take effect May 1st 2025; and

Whereas the purpose of Strong Mayor Powers is to accelerate the delivery of key Provincial priorities, building 1.5 million new homes by December 31, 2031, constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including, transit, roads, utilities and servicing and reduce red tape; and

Whereas the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario has identified that no research exists to support the impact of housing development within municipalities having been granted the Strong Mayor's Power; and 

Whereas Strong Mayor Powers blurs the political-administrative authority between the roles of Head of Council and Chief Administration Officer; and 

Whereas the Strong Mayor's Power is an erosion to the democratic process historical to the very fabric of Canadian municipal governance;

Now Therefore the Council of the Town of Shelburne hereby respectively rejects the Strong Mayor Powers granted to it, and requests that the province repeal the legislation, or offers as an option and the ability for a municipality to opt out of the legislation; and 

That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Premier Doug Ford, MPP Sylvia Jones, AMO, and all other Ontario municipalities.  

Council unanimously passed the Notice of Motion presented by Councillor Guchardi:

Whereas the Government of Ontario has introduced Bill 5: Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, which proposes substantial changes to environmental planning legislation, including the repeal of the Endangered Species Act and the creation of “Special Economic Zones” that may override local planning authority;

And Whereas the Town of Shelburne supports increasing housing supply and economic growth, but believes this must be achieved without undermining environmental protections or compromising the integrity of municipal planning processes;

And Whereas Bill 5, as proposed, risks weakening safeguards for Ontario’s natural heritage and reducing the role of municipalities in managing growth in a responsible and locally informed manner;

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that Council for the Town of Shelburne:

• Opposes the provisions in Bill 5 that would reduce environmental protections or override municipal planning authority;
• Urges the Province of Ontario to advance housing and infrastructure growth through policies that respect sound environmental planning principles and uphold the planning tools available to local governments;
• Urges the Province to support municipalities through ensuring responsible growth through infrastructure projects designed to ensure protection of sensitive wildlife and natural resources.
• Directs that this resolution be forwarded to:
• The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
• The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• The Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin–Caledon
• The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
• All Ontario municipalities for their awareness and consideration
• All Conservation Authorities in Ontario
• Conservation Ontario

Upcoming 2025 Council Meeting Dates 

May 26, June 2 (virtual) & 23, July 14 & 28, August 25, September 8 (virtual) & 22, October 6 & 27, November 10 & 24, December 8.

Meetings commence at 6:30 p.m.