For some of those municipalities, this is understandable, rather than just lack of civic participation. I wouldn't have wanted to touch the situation in Fauquier-Strickland either, and I wouldn't be surprised to find that there are other places that are equally troubled.

While mayors don't actually have more power than other members of council(*) it is still disheartening.

Despite talking a lot of shit (that I stand by) about elections and governing on the provincial and federal levels, I do think participation on the municipal level is important, as is understanding which level of government can make what decisions.

It's true that municipalities exist at the pleasure of the province, but the province doesn't have the capacity to take it all on. If you care about safe street design, zoning, water and wastewater, organics and landfills, etc you should pay attention to what's going on at a local level and make sure you are speaking up.

(*) I'm ignoring "Strong Mayor" powers on purpose because I believe the province can force the decisions even if the mayor doesn't choose to use these so I consider it somewhat symbolic.