Strong Mayors Act

On July 1, 2023, the Province announced that Strong Mayor Powers involved 26 more municipalities, including Niagara Falls. This change will help the Province reach its goal of building 1.5 million new homes by December 31, 2031. These tools will also help speed up important projects like public transportation and infrastructure.

Mayor's powers and duties

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, which include:

• Appoint and dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer;
• Hire and dismiss various division heads (excluding the prescribed list);
• Establish prescribed committees of Council, assign their functions, and appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs of committees of Council
• A prescribed committee consists solely of members of Council;
• Propose the Municipality's annual budget subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process;
• Budget shall be prepared on or before February 1st. If not, Council shall prepare and adopt the budget;
• Submit matters for Council's consideration or veto by-laws if the Mayor believes it will advance a prescribed Provincial Priority; and
• Direct municipal staff (in writing).

The Mayor must exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Mayoral decisions will be available online.

The powers and duties of the Mayor are further described in O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 590/22.

Resources

• Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act
• The Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide – Strong Mayor powers and duties
• Municipal Act, 2001