Strong mayor powers could soon be extended to local politicians

The province is considering extending strong mayor powers to more communities.

Heads of council in Brant County, Centre Wellington, Perth, Perth East, Perth South, West Perth, St. Marys, Stratford, Wilmot and Woolwich could have access as of May 1 if the plan moves forward.

Strong mayor powers include the ability to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer, hiring certain department heads and re-organizing departments, creating committees of council, proposing the municipal budget which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process, proposing certain municipal by-laws, vetoing by-laws if the mayor believes they interfere with provincial priorities, and bringing forward matters for council consideration.

Some priorities identified by the province include building more homes, transit and other infrastructure.

Mayors in Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo have had access to strong mayor powers since 2023.