London Task Force proposes full-time councillor role, higher pay to match workload

London City Hall. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London)

London’s Council Resourcing Review Task Force says the role of city councillor has evolved, and it’s time for expectations and compensation to catch up.

Martin Horak, Chair of the task force explained, “We are going to recommend adding a section to the council role description that clearly states this is a full-time public service. Councillors are expected to make this their primary occupation while in office.”

The task force also emphasized that compensation should reflect the increasing demands and complexity of the job. Currently, London councillors earn 24–31 per cent less than those in comparable Ontario cities like Hamilton and Windsor, with a base salary of roughly $65,000.

“We are considering a significant increase in base income,” Horak said. “While we don’t have a specific number yet, we want compensation to be based on incomes Londoners make.”

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis said he is not surprised by the draft recommendations. “London’s actually at the bottom of the barrel. If we want councillors fully focused on the city’s well-being, we have to compensate them adequately,” he said.

A recent city survey revealed that eight of the 14 councillors who responded work an average of 52 hours per week and agree the role should be full-time. Deputy Mayor Lewis added, “I’m still working through the 412-page planning committee agenda for Monday that I just received yesterday. The workload keeps growing. We need to recognize this is a full-time commitment for those elected to serve.”

The task force is also recommending that councillors serve on 1–2 standing committees and 3 external boards. Committee chairs would receive extra compensation, and the current additional 12.5 per cent pay for the Deputy Mayor and Budget Chief would be maintained.

Lewis noted, “This makes sense and balances the fact that some councillors currently serve on seven committees while others serve on only one. Everyone needs to carry their fair share of the workload.”

At present, councillors set their own performance expectations, with few rules governing attendance, constituent communication or participation on boards and commissions.

Former city councillor and current task force member Jared Zaifman suggested ward boundaries should also be reviewed.

“If we are looking at higher compensation, it may be reasonable to consider reducing the number of wards so that each councillor serves a number of residents more in line with their pay.”

The task force’s recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee for council consideration by October.