Strong mayor powers came into effect for 169 municipalities across Ontario on Thursday, including municipalities in the Quinte and Northumberland regions.
Among the municipalities in our coverage region that will be granted the strong mayor powers are:
- Town of Bancroft
- Municipality of Brighton
- Town of Cobourg
- Town of Greater Napanee
- Municipality of Port Hope
- County of Prince Edward
- City of Quinte West
- Municipality of Trent Hills
In a release, the City of Quinte West says the following powers have been given to the head of council.
- Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
- Hiring certain municipal division heads, and establishing and reorganize divisions.
- Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appoint the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.
- Vetoing certain by-laws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a prescribed provincial priority, such as housing, transit and infrastructure.
- Bringing forward matters for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority.
- Proposing certain municipal by-laws if they are of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority. Council can pass these by-laws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour.
- Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate mayoral veto and council override process.
Quinte West already used its strong mayor powers, announcing the dismissal of David Clazie as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer.
