Tiny Mayor, Majority Council Reject Residents' Demand for Referendum to Decide on $25 Million Administrative Centre

Cracks started appearing in Tiny’s council after increasing public pressure for the $25 million administrative building project. Tiny, which had only an $8.5 million operating budget in 2024, plans to finance $22 million through debt over 30 years for the centre. Significant tensions emerged after Councilor Dave Brunelle opposed the project, citing community dissent, financial skepticism, ecological concerns, and a lack of public engagement. He called for a referendum to let residents decide.

Mayor David Evans and other council members continue to support the project. Councilor Steffen Walma questioned Brunelle's insinuation of a hidden agenda, to which Brunelle clarified his concerns about transparency. Walma defended the council's intention to build an efficient and environmentally friendly building.

Brunelle's motion to pause the project and hold a referendum was not seconded and thus denied. The meeting underscored clear divisions within the council and highlighted the contentious nature of the project among both council members and the community.

Residents also turned up to oppose the Administrative Centre. Grandmother Noel McCartney raised concerns about the impact of cost and debt on future generations. She came with her granddaughter Miranda for two reasons. "First of all, I want her to see the democratic process in action. And secondly, the decisions that this Council makes are going to affect her in terms of long-term decision-making. One issue, of course, is the building of the new Admin Center," she said.

In an interview on CTV Barrie, Mayor Evans said he was confident that he was representing the silent majority of voters in Tiny. "Well, let them be silent no more. Hold a referendum, and that is my request to you," McCartney urged.