Strong Mayor Powers

Effective August 31, 2023, the Province announced that Strong Mayor Powers will be extended beyond Toronto and Ottawa to an additional 21 municipalities - Bradford West Gwillimbury included.  These changes are being put in place to support the Province's priority and commitment to increasing the housing supply by 1.5 million homes by December 31, 2031.   

Strong mayor powers offer resources to heads of council to accelerate the implementation of key shared municipal-provincial priorities such as housing, transit, and infrastructure.

As of October 31, 2023, the Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

• Appoint municipal chief administrative officers (CAOs) and other non-statutory department heads and restructure departments unilaterally;*
• Create new identified committees and appoint chairs and vice-chairs of identified committees and local boards, and to change the make-up of committees;*
• Propose the municipal budget and veto changes proposed by council;
• Veto certain bylaws if the mayor thinks all or part of the bylaw could potentially interfere with a provincial priority;
• Bring forward matters for council consideration that can advance a provincial priority; and
• Direct city staff in writing.

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

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and give notice to the Clerk and/or Chief Administrative Officer.

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

Mayoral Decisions and Directives

Strong Mayor Legislation Framework