It took just over five minutes for Sarnia City Council to get back on track after a councillor's rant temporarily derailed Monday's meeting.
City/County Councillor Bill Dennis introduced a motion to have staff develop a growth acceleration plan to boost housing starts.
He appeared to become frustrated after CAO Chris Carter questioned Dennis' comments and asked the new general manager of community services to provide some data for council consideration, which included the number of residential units.
"He said I was incorrect and I find that quite humorous," said Dennis. "I've sold more new homes than probably most agents in Sarnia. I know my stats. The fact of the matter is Plympton-Wyoming, St. Clair Township, Petrolia even is putting us to shame."
Mayor Mike Bradley called for Dennis to "behave" himself, to which Dennis responded with, "Don't talk to me like I'm a child!"
Dennis continued to criticize council and staff after his motion failed to receive support.
"You'll all be gone in October anyway," Dennis said. "Make sure that seat's nice and warm for me, Mike."
City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts called for a point of order, reminding council that the meeting was not a campaign platform.
Dennis has repeatedly posted on social media his intent to run for mayor during the municipal election, scheduled to take place on October 26.
"One of the conversations that we just had was about growth in this city. Let's look at our city right now, who would want to invest in a city where a conversation about housing simply derails into what is going on right now? So growth is both about building but it's also about our behavior in a council chamber," said Councillor Adam Kilner, who interrupted an exchange between Dennis and Bradley.
The outburst was not the first of the meeting. Dennis was first warned about his behavior when council discussed the failed heritage designation request for 220 George St.
"With all due respect, we wasted half an hour over a darn church," said Dennis after Kilner asked council to return to the meeting's agenda. "An investor wants to sell a church and we wasted half an hour over something stupid like that. We should have turned down the request..."
But before he could finish his sentence, Kilner and McRoberts cut him off.
"Let's move on," they said in unison.
"Things are going to change in October, mark my words," concluded Dennis.
Dennis' second motion, to have staff strengthen contractor oversight to ensure subcontractors are paid for their work, passed.
His third motion regarding Indwell was withdrawn without discussion.
Dennis is still barred from attending council meetings in person and can only participate virtually.
