As he looks out over an expected sea of faces, the guy at the front plans to hoist a number. 

It will read, “530.”

That, says Stuart McCormack, is the number of sleeps between next Wednesday night and the coming election in NOTL.

“I know it sounds like a long time, but it isn’t. The last thing we want is people running around on the day of nomination saying, ‘Jeez, we need someone to run. So we’re starting now.’ ”

This is the official birth of the first integrated local residents’ association. Behind the scenes it’s grown like a weed. It’s political. It has firepower.

The organizers have much to say about the current council’s blessing of honking big new hotels in Old Town. Condo towers in Glendale. Unbridled Airbnbs in Chautauqua. Tree-eating subdivisions in Virgil. Councillors that don’t seem to listen. And a lordly mayor who just voted himself strong powers.

Six months ago McCormack — who briefly served himself as a local politician — figured enough was enough. He got word out of a rebel force forming.

The first meeting had four bums in chairs. The most recent one was packed. The event next Wednesday, he says “should be a full house. We expect to be looking for chairs.”

The NOTL rebs are determined to make town hall more responsive and (if necessary) punt many councillors in 530 days, likely with a slate of candidates. The open house is meant to define the issues stirring the loins of the locals and enlist more volunteers to help run a swelling army.

It’s open to everyone (community centre, 6:30 p.m.) including the current elected folks.

But will they show up, in an effort to stem the rebellion?

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them don’t,” says McCormack. “They apparently feel apprehension about venturing out in the community at large. I think that is tremendously sad.”

And what’s the mood back at the town’s HQ? Are council members, or the lord mayor, fussed about the troops now gathering in the woods, loading muskets?

I asked them all a few simple questions. Is this a good development for NOTL, or does it polarize us? Is endorsing candidates useful, or cause conflict and strife? Does the rebel movement suggest we need improvement in the way this place is run? And will you attend the meeting?

The mayor’s not coming. And he says this is not about him.

“I believe the creation of the group speaks to the needs of those creating it. Those individuals would be best to explain their reasoning. Accountability and transparency are available as key cornerstones in the current framework of municipal governance.”

In short, have a nice day. I’m busy.

“Anyone wanting to make a difference in the community is a good thing,” says Wiens. But he’s not coming, either.

“We have open meetings that livestream, we post agendas and are open for anyone to contact us. I encourage people to call me if they have any questions. I have lived here for 58 years and have always been approachable.”

As for Burroughs, the rebs have a friend. “This will be a very positive development,” he says.

“I believe a better educated residents group will help produce members that would like to run in the next election, rather than focusing on specific candidates. This was tried in the last election, and while I was not included on the list, may not have focused on the issues. In my opinion, this was very polarizing.’

Burroughs and two other electeds will be there. So should you.