Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley vetoed over $9 million in Council-approved borrowing for a new police headquarters and the BACE Project, citing financial risks and an already projected 16% tax hike in 2027. This action sets the stage for a critical two-thirds majority vote on December 15, as Council must now decide whether to override the veto and reinstate the debt.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has formally exercised his "strong mayor" powers for the first time, vetoing two major budget amendments that would have committed the City to more than $9 million in new borrowing. The vetoes, issued on December 5, 2025, specifically target the Council resolutions to borrow funds for preliminary police headquarters work and the Sarnia BACE Project.
This action wipes out the two largest spending initiatives approved by Council on November 25, reversing the prior Council decision that had shelved the city’s long-standing goal of being debt-free by early 2026. The Mayor’s decision to remove the new debt is aimed at protecting the city's fiscal position and preserving affordability for taxpayers amid projections of a massive tax increase in 2027.
The Mayor's vetoes focused on two key borrowing initiatives:
Police Headquarters: The resolution to add $5,000,000 to the Police Budget, funded through borrowing. Mayor Bradley argued this initial funding is part of a larger, unsustainable commitment that will create tax pressure for the next 25 years. He emphasized that the Police Service's operating budget has increased by 40% over the last four years and that alternatives to a new facility should be explored. Council had passed this resolution by a 5-4 vote.
Sarnia BACE Project: The resolution to proceed with financing $4,100,000 in 2026 for the Sarnia Bace Project. The Mayor's primary objection was the lack of due diligence, as the request was only introduced publicly during the November 17 Public Input Session, too late for his consideration in the draft budget review period. He noted the project’s scope has grown substantially, its site is not properly zoned, and Council approved the funding without giving instruction on critical investigation needed, such as assessing the former landfill site the City is required to purchase. Council had passed this resolution by a 7-2 vote.
Mayor Bradley chose not to veto the Council’s decision to restore $2 million for the Bright's Grove Library Hub. However, he still expressed "serious concerns" and immediately announced plans to introduce a Notice of Motion at the next Council meeting to ensure fiscal responsibility and affordability for the project.
The funding for the project was restored by reallocating $1,000,000 from the Fire Engine 5 replacement and withdrawing $500,000 from both the Tax Stabilization Reserve and the Development Charges Reserve. The Mayor's concerns center on the fact that the fire engine funding is merely deferred, increasing levy charges in the 2027 budget, and the Tax Stabilization Reserve is being severely depleted, projected to be down to $744,000 by the end of 2026.
This comes after a public battle between the Mayor and the Bright's Grove Library Committee, which previously accused the Mayor of attempting a "kill shot" by initially moving the funding to the unfunded list. The Committee argues that any further delays or conditions could cause a major foundation pledge of $250,000 to walk away.
The Mayor's new motion will address:
Setting a clear financial cap for the overall cost of the project.
Requiring a detailed report from City staff and the architect outlining all servicing costs.
Revisiting the scope of the project, especially since a previously announced federal grant is no longer available.
Under the Municipal Act, 2001, City Council has 15 days to call a meeting and override the Mayor’s vetoes. Overriding the veto requires a two-thirds majority vote, which means six members of the nine-member Council must vote in favour.
The Mayor noted that the initial vote for the Police Budget was close (5-4) and expressed his hope that the veto will not be overridden, reiterating that Sarnia residents cannot afford the debt. The next Council meeting, which is the earliest opportunity to address the vetoes, is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
