In July 2024, Council passed by-laws that restrict public input and granted new powers to the Mayor, and City Manager to restrict what residents can present at meeting, in spite of the Corporate Services Committee rejecting these staff recommendations. In a letter to the Owen Sound Current Joel Pennington wrote:

"I challenge our leaders to reflect on why they got into municipal politics. What inspired you to put your name forward initially? I would bet your 'Why' is inspiring. I would encourage you to get back to that Why. I would imagine you didn't get into politics to restrict an agenda or limit public input."   . . .  Joel Pennington