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Ontario councillors push back as strong mayor powers reach small towns
- Ontario expanded strong mayor powers on May 1, 2025, allowing 169 mayors beyond Toronto and Ottawa to veto bylaws and hire or fire staff unilaterally.
- The province introduced these powers in 2022 for Toronto and Ottawa, aiming to accelerate housing development amid ongoing concerns about concentrating authority in fewer hands.
- Several councillors, including David O'Neil and Zack Card from Quinte West, and Corey Engelsdorfer from Prince Edward County, criticized the powers for weakening democratic collaboration and sidelining constituents.
- Experts like David Arbuckle and Matti Siemiatycki warn that these powers threaten non-partisan staff advice, reduce oversight especially in smaller municipalities, and have seen underwhelming use so far.
- Municipal councils, including Stratford’s, have passed resolutions rejecting the powers, fearing future abuses despite limited current misuse, and urge the province to rescind the legislation.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Global News
‘Crazy idea’: Ontario councillors push back as strong mayor powers reach small towns
As of May 1, another 169 mayors in the province can veto bylaws, pass new ones with just one-third of council in favour and hire or fire municipal department heads unilaterally.
Brockville Recorder & Times
How Doug Ford's strong mayor powers leave some worried about 'profoundly undemocratic' possibilities
When the Ontario's Doug Ford expanded strong mayor powers to 169 communities, the talk around one council table turned to Donald Trump.
’Crazy idea:’ Ontario councillors push back as strong mayor powers reach small towns
TORONTO — A month after Ontario’s government extended strong mayor powers to a swath of new municipalities, some leaders are promising never to use the measures — but a chorus of small-town councillors warn that local democracy is under threat.
National Post
Windsor StarOntario strong mayor powers has some councils concerned about local governance
A month after Ontario's government extended strong mayor powers to a swath of new municipalities, some leaders are promising never to use the measures — but a chorus of small-town councillors warn that local democracy is under threat.
Winnipeg Free Press
'Crazy idea': Ontario councillors push back as strong mayor powers reach small towns
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
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