The provincial government is offering “strong mayor powers” to 169 additional municipalities, including several in the greater Quinte region.
The powers, meant to speed up approvals for budgets, housing, transit, and other infrastructure, are being offered locally to Quinte West, Prince Edward County, Brighton, Cobourg, Napanee and Bancroft.
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis decided to accept the powers in 2023 and used them in February of last year to quickly rezone the former Banquet Centre property for use as an integrated services hub for the vulnerable population.
Strong mayor powers include allowing mayors to propose housing-related by-laws and pass them with the support of one-third of councillors, as well as override council approval of certain by-laws and prepare their city’s budget, instead of council.
Currently, 47 municipalities use the strong mayor system.
