At what cost?
That was the main question and sticking point at council chambers on Tuesday, when our elected officials received a report regarding a housing pledge from the province.
Ontario has been asking cities, and recently municipalities, to sign the pledge to meet a housing pledge of 1.5 million homes built by 2031.
In Norfolk, their share of that “goal” would be to bring in 5700 homes during this time.
Before the discussion of the housing pledge, council heard another report on affordable housing and the need for more housing that made it clear more needs to be done in the community.
On the surface, the idea of the pledge seemed like a good one – especially with the county eligible for the $1.5 million a year for the next three years if they hit an annual target.
The issues came when you look closely at the pledge, its vague language, and the seemingly non-negotiable addition of Strong Mayor powers.
CAO Al Meneses took time when the staff report was presented to go over what this Strong Mayor power entails.
In short, a Strong Mayor could hire and staff most staff members, table a budget, and veto a council decision to name a few.
The lack of clarity, and the added Strong Mayor power, made it a hard decision for many people around the table.
Councillor Mike Columbus questioned what $1.5 million a year could do when looking at what could be lost – a concern he said he has heard from the public as well.
Councillor Adam Veri agreed as he feels a Strong Mayor power would lessen the voice of Ward 6 residents.
Councillor Kim Huffman asked staff if there was any way to separate the two – make a housing pledge but deny the Strong Mayor power.
When she was told that was likely not an option, and looking at what was actually written in the pledge, she couldn’t support it.
Councillor Alan Duthie focused less on the Strong Mayor power and more on the pledge itself.
While money coming in from the province is always welcome, he said they need to know what they are signing Norfolk residents up for.
There were some councillors who, until the last vote, were stuck between supporting the motion or voting against it – like Doug Brunton.
Councillor Linda Vandendriessche chaired the meeting on Tuesday and took some time to speak about the issue at hand.
She knows that housing is needed, and money is on the table but doesn’t appreciate being put into a tight spot from those above.
Councillor Tom Masschaele heard the concerns around the table and felt they all had valid points.
But, at the end of the day, he felt there was enough there to support the pledge.
Councillor Chris Van Paassen agreed with Masschaele that the money was needed, and enough was in place with the contract to keep a Strong Mayor power under control if someone were to try and “misuse” it.
Mayor Amy Martin spoke a lot on the matter, knowing her unique position in all of this.
She felt that the real issue of housing in Norfolk was being put on the back burner because of the attaching Strong Mayor power.
She was also concerned that, if this was turned down, how would this look on the county which has frequently seen tax increases and has many requests in for funds?
In the end, it was a split vote that defeated the motion and turned down the housing pledge.
Martin, Van Paassen, and Masschaele voted for the pledge.
Duthie, Brunton, Veri, Huffman, and Columbus voted against it.
Vandendriessche did not officially vote while chairing the meeting.
Our elected officials will need to officially pass this motion next week at council for this to be confirmed.
A letter then needs to be sent to the Province letting them know about the decision by October 15th.