The Town of Mattawa, Ontario, is officially seeking a resident to join its municipal council through an appointment process to fill a current vacancy. Residents interested in serving the remainder of the 2022–2026 term are asked to apply in person at the Municipal Office, 160 Water Street.
Any eligible applicant must schedule an appointment with the municipal clerk or designate and bring valid government-issued identification when submitting their application. The town’s application package lists Nomination Form 1, a Declaration of Qualification, a Candidate Information Release Form, and a Declaration of Confidentiality; the Declaration of Qualification is used to confirm a candidate meets the eligibility requirements to hold office.
The appointment comes amid a heated local debate over whether to reduce the size of council to save money. Deputy Mayor Mathew Gardiner has been a vocal proponent of trimming the seven-member council to reduce costs; in reporting by BayToday he said the savings could be redirected to community programs such as sports, seniors’ services and beautification.
The town has also made news over the province’s “strong mayor” powers. According to reporting in The Trillium, Mattawa’s council voted to request the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing remove Mattawa from the list of municipalities granted strong-mayor powers, noting the province’s expanded mayoral powers could allow a mayor to override council decisions and undermine democratic governance. (Reporting indicates Mayor Raymond A. Belanger declared a conflict of interest on that matter and did not vote.)
