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Kasenberg delegates strong mayor powers MIDWESTERN NEWSPAPERS STAFF
LISTOWEL - The mayor of North Perth is delegating some of his recently granted “strong mayor powers” back to the local council. On May 1, the Province of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities, including North North Perth Mayor Perth. This designation grants the Todd Kasenberg mayor additional powers that are intended to help advance provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure across Ontario. In response, Mayor Todd Kasenberg has chosen to delegate specific authorities back to council and the chief administrative officer (CAO) through official Mayoral Decisions. The delegated authorities include: - granting council the authority to appoint or dismiss the CAO; - granting council the authority to establish or dissolve committees of council and appoint their chairs and vice-chairs; - granting the CAO the management of the municipality’s organizational structure and employment matters; and - directing the CAO and treasurer to prepare the draft 2026 operating and capital budget. A press release from the municipality states the delegations reflect Kasenberg’s “ongoing commitment to working closely with council, the CAO and staff to ensure the municipality remains efficient, collaborative and accountable to the Continued on page 5
Patrick Raftis photo
PATRIOTIC PARADE - The Canada Day parade in the village of Atwood was part of a daylong celebration of the nation on July 1. Parade floats featured plenty of flags and fun entries. The day also included music and games at the Atwood Lions Park, which was also the scene of an impressive evening fireworks display. More photos on pages 18 and 19.
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All-way stop recommended at Mayne Corners Studies show 22 collisions since 2011 at Perth Line 88 and Perth Road 178 KELSEY BENT
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter kbent@midwesternnewspapers.com
STRATFORD - Perth County’s July 3 decision to designate the intersection of Perth Line 88 and Perth Road 178, which is commonly known as Mayne Corners, an allway stop will be finalized should Huron County Council agree. The intersection has been the subject of multiple studies over the last five years, stemming from a number of motor vehicle collisions. According to a 2021 intersection analysis, there
were 15 motor vehicle collisions over a 10-year period at the boundary intersection between Perth County and Huron County, located west of Kurtzville, heading towards Fordwich. As previously reported by the Listowel Banner, Sergeant Manny Coelho presented a motor vehicle collision analysis for the intersection at the Nov. 17, 2021, police service board meeting. The report covered 10 years of data and broke down the number of collisions at this intersection. The report noted there had been 15 motor-vehi-
cle collisions at the intersection between 2011 and 2021. Disobeying traffic control and failing to yield the right of way were the causes of 53 per cent of the collisions. There were also four collisions attributed to speeding. Of the collisions at the Mayne Corners included in the report, one caused fatal injuries, five caused nonfatal injuries, and nine caused property damage. In 2021 the number of collisions at the intersection was more than double the amount compared to any year since 2011. A separate traffic safety study conducted by Hu-
ron County the year before, in 2020, considered traffic volumes, speeds, collision data, signage and configuration. This study determined that the intersection did not meet any of the warrants for an all-way stop, despite the number of known motor vehicle collisions. The study also stated that the signage was oversized, and a number of other supplemental safety devices were in place, including rumble strips on Perth Road 178. However, with the supplemental safety devices in place, the intersection remained the location of
motor vehicle collisions, notably a collision which saw one person airlifted to a London Hospital following a three-vehicle collision at the intersection on Aug. 20, 2024. The subsequent incidents prompted additional requests to improve safety. The latest study saw Perth and Huron counties enlist RC Spencer Associates to complete a supplemental intersection study which, according to a staff report presented to Perth County on July 3, “examined existing intersection traffic conditions, to identify observed Continued on page 8
Council apprehensively approves new budget process under province’s strong mayor powers framework KELSEY BENT
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter kbent@midwesternnewspapers.com
LISTOWEL - Although in one way, public consultation is being removed from the end of the North Perth budget process, but it is not entirely being removed. In fact, it municipal officials say it has never been more encouraged for the public to participate in the budget process. The changes to the budget process stem
from the strong mayor powers being bestowed on the Mayor of North Perth on May 1, 2025, alongside 169 other municipal leaders, by the government of Ontario. Strong mayor powers change the budget process, previously set out in the Municipal Act. A July 7 report from North Perth Treasurer Ashton Romany stated, that under the strong mayor powers framework, the North Perth mayor is now responsible for preparing and proposing the annual
municipal budget if it is published prior to Feb. 1. The “Mayor’s Budget” does not require formal vouncil approval, instead, it will be automatically adopted if the legislated timelines are met. According to the staff report, a meeting between Mayor Todd Kasenberg and municipal staff determined that the 2026 budget process will remain largely the same as previously, beginning with a public survey online on Your Say North Perth, which is currently accepting re-
sponses. Following the public survey, under the new process, staff will present draft business plans to council on Nov. 10, 17, and 19, where councillor deliberation and public participation may occur. “Staff will seek council’s endorsement of these documents. The intent is that the Mayor’s Budget will mirror the endorsed staff-proposed [business plan],” Romany explained in his report. Continued on page 8