"It's in the best interest of the city that we all support each other. We're all going to be working for each other," he said.

Those words wouldn't have seemed possible in the past.

The first sign of a fallout began in December 2008, when a subcommittee consisting of Bowman and Wapner stripped the mayor of all his appointments to council committees, boards and commissions.

Of 25 positions, Wapner took 10, while Bowman and Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada got six each. Councilwoman Sheila Mautz got three.

The council members were just getting started.

In January 2009, Wapner asked for a report regarding the mayor's extramarital affair that had occurred six months prior.

And in July of that year, Bowman - citing budget concerns - asked to reduce the mayor's $51,000 salary for 2010 back to the 2006 level of $21,498. Bowman was the one who had pushed for a higher mayor's salary in 2007.

And throughout the changes, Leon remained silent.

He told the Daily Bulletin that the changes weren't worth a public battle that could damage Ontario's reputation.

"We have sold certainty for years to developers and the business community, and that has to continue, without controversy or issue," Leon said then.

Looking back, Leon said time and experience were key factors in the shift.

"(It was) good people who gave themselves the opportunity to understand each other in a brighter light and to do what is best for our constituency and staff," Leon said. "Holding a grudge is not the ultimate character of quality leadership."

But what happened nearly two years years ago, Bowman said, was an adjustment period that dealt with personality, and it was isolated to non-policy issues.

"We are leaving it in the past," he said. "We've all come together and we all realized it was the right thing to do on behalf of the general populace."

Wapner agrees.

"Paul and I have known each other for a very long time and we've had our ups and downs," Wapner said. "Our relationship is strong."

Adding to that sentiment is Wapner's choice not to target the mayor's seat.

"I decided it wouldn't be in the best interest of the city that two incumbents run against each other," he said.

While there has been no discussion regarding reassigning Leon to various committees, the mayor won't rule out the possibility.

"I'm very busy just being the mayor, so in many ways it's good to see the council sharing the work and taking advantage of their gifts and talents," he said.

Ultimately, the council recognized the importance of unity and being business-oriented, Bowman said.

"On behalf of the citizens we want to offer stability and guidance in these economic times," he said. "We are going into this as a team."

A united council, Leon added, allows for "spirited" conversations without dissension.

"We also have great respect for each other's abilities and contributions to the team," he said.