Strong Mayor Powers

• Strong-mayor powers and why some Halifax councillors are worried it could be coming

  Halifax’s city council has directed the mayor to ask the Nova Scotia government for consultation on whether it is considering strengthening his authority.

  Canada

  Jul 14, 2025
  
• Halifax councillor seeks confirmation from province about ‘strong mayor powers’

  With rumours circulating about the possibility of 'strong mayor powers' being implemented in Halifax, one councillor is looking for confirmation from the province.

  Politics

  Jul 9, 2025
  
• Advertisement
• ‘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.

  Politics

  Jun 2, 2025
• Advertisement
• ‘It’s a time to step up’: Hamilton mayor insists housing crisis justifies veto

  After Andrea Horwath's surprise announcement to advance a housing development with strong mayor powers, she defended the action insisting she was left with no choice.

  Politics

  Mar 28, 2024
• Burlington council to continue quest seeking to take back some strong mayor powers

  Marianne Meed Ward and fellow politicians expect to reconvene in mid-April for efforts to return some legislative power, reallocated by the province last year, back to council.

  Politics

  Mar 26, 2024
• Guelph mayor uses strong mayor powers to sign off on three orders

  Taxes, housing, and homelessness were three things Cam Guthrie want to push through using the strong mayor powers.

  Politics

  Feb 28, 2024
• Housing and affordability ‘compel’ Guelph mayor to use ‘strong mayor’ powers

  Cam Guthrie announced during the state of the city address that he will use the new powers immediately.

  Canada

  Feb 8, 2024
• 4 Ontario municipalities turn down strong mayor powers

  Now, four municipalities -- Newmarket, New Tecumseth, Norfolk County and Haldimand County -- have given a straight-up no thanks.

  Canada

  Nov 10, 2023
• Advertisement
• Belleville, Ont. mayor says he intends to use ‘strong mayor’ powers

  Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis says he plans to use the powers to obtain funds from the province to fund municipal projects. Ellis has until Oct. 15 to sign the papers.

  Politics

  Sep 27, 2023
• Advertisement
• City of Kawartha Lakes mayor doesn’t see need to use ‘strong mayor’ power

  The province has given the City of Kawartha Lakes a target of building 6,500 homes in eight years. Mayor Doug Elmslie admits that target will be 'challenging' but 'achievable.'

  Economy

  Aug 23, 2023