The province is open to discussing strong mayor powers with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities before making any moves.
However, Minister of Municipal Affairs John Lohr told reporters Thursday afternoon they cannot make any other commitments beyond that.
“We’re open to the conversation, and so we’re looking at what’s happening across the country, and I think that what we want – my goal- would be to deliver the best government possible for citizens,” said Lohr.
Lohr added, they need to look at how municipal governments are structured, from time to time.
“We see our major cities across the country facing daunting challenges. I would put HRM in that category. I would say none of these issues are easily solved, and are the structures suitable for the 21st century,” said Lohr.
Strong mayor powers have been a hot topic in HRM lately amid chatter of giving them to Mayor Andy Fillmore.
It would mean Fillmore would have the authority to hire or fire staff, veto council decisions, and fast-track certain proposals with limited council support.
Halifax Regional Council passed a motion earlier this month to write a letter to the province requesting a say on the matter.
Premier gives ultimatum
Premier Tim Houston has recently expressed his lack of faith in regional council for the decisions they are making, when asked about implementing strong mayor powers.
He specifically referred to council voting in favour of Morris Street becoming one way to make room for bike lanes, claiming they have a “serious disconnect” with how they serve citizens and their decisions.
Houston issued a letter last week for council to reverse course on that decision or Nova Scotia will be “forced to act”.
Meeting on the way
Halifax Council has a meeting on the way to discuss Morris Street, according to Minister of Public Works, Fred Tilley.
Tilley told reporters he hopes to make “common sense” on that issue, emphasizing that the premier has been “pretty clear” on where he stands.
“I would say that the province has a responsibility to fix traffic and anything that is going to hamper the fixing of traffic and the reducing of that level, is something that is absolutely in the purview of the province,” said Tilley.
Halifax council is scheduled to meet again, August 5- one day before the deadline issued by the premier.
