Jeff Lehman’s last day as Barrie mayor for the foreseeable future is March 28.
He will take an unpaid leave of absence effective the next day, March 29, until the Ontario election on June 2.
Lehman is the Liberal candidate for MPP in the riding of Barrie-Springwater-Oro-
Deputy Mayor Barry Ward will step into Lehman’s role while he’s on the provincial campaign trail.
“We have a short time built in so that I can meet with the deputy mayor and we can transition the office,” Lehman said Thursday. “I am available to city staff and members of council, as needed, to ensure continuity on key files.”
Lehman’s absence also means Ward will chair city council and general committee meetings on Mondays, and planning committee meetings on Tuesdays.
Ward said he will take over on the morning of March 29, after the March 28 city council meeting.
“Under the city’s current bylaws and procedures, nothing has to happen at council. The mayor steps aside for a leave of absence and the deputy mayor assumes the role of acting mayor,” he said. “I would remain acting mayor until Mayor Lehman either steps aside after the expected June 2 provincial election or resumes his role.
“At that point, should Mayor Lehman resign as mayor, city council would have to decide how to fill the position until the next municipal election,” Ward said. “With only six months left in our term, it would have to be an appointment since there is not enough time to hold a byelection.”
Municipal elections in Ontario take place Oct. 24 for the 2022-2026 term of office.
The Ward 4 councillor says his duties as acting mayor go well beyond chairing council and committee meetings.
“I’ll be taking over the mayor’s other duties, such as meeting with groups, businesses and individuals, meeting with staff, attending functions and signing city documents,” Ward said.
