As of  May 1, 2025, the Ontario government has expanded strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities, including the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio. Strong mayor powers provide resources to the heads of council to accelerate the implementation of provincial priorities including housing, transit, roads, utilities and servicing. 

The Mayor is required to exercise these special powers in writing, give notice to the Clerk, and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Mayoral decisions and directives are available for viewing in the table below. 

  Mayoral Powers and Duties under the Municipal Act, 2001
The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and associated regulations O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 580/22. This include powers to:
  • Appoint the Chief Administrative Officer;*
  • Hiring certain department head and establish and reorganize departments;*
  • Create committees of Council, assign their functions and appoint chairs and vice-chairs of committees of Council;*
  • Bring matters forward for Council consideration related to provincial priorities;
  • Propose by-laws related to provincial priorities;
  • Veto certain by-laws if the Mayor is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority;
  • Propose the municipal budget, subject to Council amendments and a Mayoral veto and Council override process; and
  • Direct municipal staff in writing to undertake research, provide advice on policies or programs, or implement any decisions related to strong mayor powers. 

*The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.

Visit the Government of Ontario's website to learn more about Strong Mayor Powers.

Mayoral Decisions made pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001 

The chart below shows Mayoral Decisions made pursuant to Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 

DateNumberSubject Matter
May 5, 2025 2025-01 Decision to Delegate Powers to Council
May 5, 2025 2025-02 Decision to Delegate Powers to CAO
May 5, 2025 2025-03 Decision to Delegate Powers to Council

Mayoral Directives to Municipal Employees 

The chart below shows Mayoral Directives to Municipal Employees made pursuant to Section 284.3 of the Municipal Act, 2001. 

DateNumberSubject Matter
 August 1, 2025     2025-01          Preparation of the 2026 Capital and Operating Budget

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires the Mayor to disclose any pecuniary interest when exercising any of the powers or duties assigned the head of Council under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001. The Mayor shall disclose the interest by filing a written statement of interest, along with its general nature, to the Clerk. The Mayor shall not use the power or exercise the duty with respect to the matter and not use their office to attempt to influence a decision that results from consideration of the matter.

Strong Mayor Power FAQs

Can the Mayor delegate their special powers and duties to the propose the budget?
No. The Municipal Act does not allow the Mayor to delegate their powers and duties related to the budget. The duty to prepare a budget can be forfeited by the Mayor if they do not prepare a budget prior to February 1st of each year. 
Can Council amend the budget proposed by the Mayor? 

Yes.  Council has up to 30 days to pass a resolution amending the proposed budget.  If no resolutions are passed the budget is deemed adopted on Day 30.

Up to 10 days following a resolution by Council to amend the proposed budget, the Mayor can veto any amendment. If the Mayor does not veto any amendment the budget is deemed adopted on Day 10.

Council has up to 15 days following the veto period to override the Mayors veto through a two-thirds vote of the Members of Council. If the override vote passes, the veto is defeated, and all amendment are included in the budget. If the override vote fails the Mayor’s veto remains. Following this step the budget is deemed adopted.
 Does Council still pass a By-law to adopted the budget?
 No. Based on the timelines set out in the budget is deemed adopted.