Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says a discussion surrounding the removal of strong mayor powers in the city will be a waste of council's time.
Ward 9 Councillor Kieran McKenzie issued a notice of motion asking councillors to send the province a request to remove Windsor from the list of municipalities governed by strong mayor powers.
This was issued on the same day the province announced expanding the program to 169 more municipalities.
"I think he's really missed his window of opportunity, many windows of opportunity and so we will waste more of council's time having a discussion that will be like sending a letter to Santa Claus because at the end of the day the province is just adding 169, they're moving forward they're not moving backwards," said Dilkens.
Dilkens has used these additional governing powers nearly 75 times since they were given to him in 2023.
"When it comes to any of the staffing changes that I've made at the city I have consulted with every member of city council before moving forward. When it comes to budget, I have not changed the way I deal with budget. I consult with every single member of council to ask what their priorities are for budget which I have done since day one," said Dilkens.
He said the powers can be a good tool.
"I think it's good. I think it's reflective of the fact that the mayor is elected by residents in every ward and in the past he was just one vote and had the same standing around the council table as every other member of council," said Dilkens.
The motion will be presented at the city's next council meeting.