To: Our Mayor and Members of City Council

From: Residents of our community

We, the undersigned residents, are calling on our local government to publicly commit to not using Strong Mayor Powers and to affirm that democracy, transparency, and due process are the foundation of good local governance.

Municipal government works best when decisions are made collectively, openly, and with meaningful input from the people who are directly affected by them. Strong Mayor Powers concentrate decision-making authority in the hands of one individual, reducing the role of council, limiting public debate, and weakening the checks and balances that protect democratic process.

This approach erodes public trust. It sidelines councillors who were democratically elected to represent their communities. It leaves residents feeling unheard, disempowered, and shut out of decisions that shape our neighbourhoods, our environment, and our future.

We believe that democracy is not an obstacle to progress. It is the only way forward if trust is to be built and maintained between residents and their local leaders. Strong, healthy cities are built through collaboration, transparency, and respect for process, not through unilateral decision-making.

We therefore call on our Mayor and City Council to:

• Publicly commit to not invoking Strong Mayor Powers

• Respect the role of council as a democratic decision-making body

• Uphold meaningful public consultation and due process

• Affirm that residents have a right to be heard on decisions that affect their lives

• Rebuild trust by choosing cooperation over concentration of power

Local democracy matters. Our rights matter. The legitimacy of our municipal government depends on decisions being made with the community, not for the community.

We urge our local leaders to choose democracy, accountability, and respect for the people they serve.

Signed,

Concerned residents and community members