Opposing Strong Mayor Powers

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For those looking to oppose Strong Mayors Powers in Ontario, I would suggest looking into Aurora as a case study. See the highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

Ultimately the Mayor of Aurora took the powers against the Councils opposition.

The notice of motion by Councillor Ron Weese would be a good “template” to develop recommendations, deputations, letters of support and petitions.

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Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Councillor Ron Weese

Date: September 19, 2023

Whereas the Head of Council is required to and in order to receive Strong Mayor Powers; and

Whereas the municipality is required to submit a formal housing pledge which will outline how the municipality plans to meet the housing target by December 15, 2023; and

Whereas Strong Mayor Powers will result in the Head of Council being granted powers such as:

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer;

• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments;

• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions, and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of 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;

• Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority;

• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority; and

Whereas these Strong Mayor Powers undermine democratic processes executed through municipal elections, and Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora

Whereas Strong Mayor Powers may also violate by-laws established in Aurora that provides accepted and legal procedures for governance, and

Whereas Aurora Town Council recognizes the important role each Councilor provides the residents in their Ward and the community-at-large,

1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That The Aurora Town Council opposes Strong Mayor Powers provided to the Head of Council; and

2. Be It Further Resolved That this approved Motion is to be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Doug Ford, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Paul Calandra, the Regional Municipality of York, and each of the Municipalities in Ontario.

Study the Arguments for and Against and provide alternative solutions

It would also be valuable to study the arguments on both sides, through the articles written on this subject. Understanding the supporting rationale for the powers will help us develop our counter arguments.

See the article, Province to grant Aurora “Strong Mayor” powers this fall to address housing, contingent on pledge, Brock Weir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Auroran, Aug 24, 2023, and

Strong mayor? Don't care, say many small town mayors. Most mayors don't think they'll have trouble meeting the new provincially-imposed targets, Aidan Chamandy Aug 25, 2023.

Notice the democratic process is being undermined for the sake of “building affordable housing and cutting red tape.”

I hope this helps. Please add your thoughts and helpful links in the comments. I will release a more in depth article when time allows. To be sure, many Councillors would be grateful for support from their community.