North Glengarry Included on the List of Municipalities with Proposed Expanded Strong Mayor Powers

North Glengarry Included on the List of Municipalities with Proposed Expanded Strong Mayor Powers

April 10, 2025

For immediate release-

Yesterday, the Provincial Government announced a proposed expansion of strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities across Ontario. Strong mayor powers were previously granted in 2022 and 2023 to many municipalities, generally based on larger areas and cities.  The Township of North Glengarry was sent notification on April 9^th of the government’s intention to expand strong mayor powers to our municipality. 

Strong mayor powers grants heads of council the ability to: appoint the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO); hire certain department heads; create committees of council; propose the annual budget with a mayoral veto and council override process; veto certain by-laws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority; and bring matters forward and propose certain municipal by-laws for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority. These powers can be used to support provincial priorities including supporting the construction of new homes, economic development and building infrastructure that supports community growth.

“I believe that these powers are not required in the Township of North Glengarry.” says Mayor Jamie MacDonald. “Each individual was elected to council with one vote including myself. We represent all our constituents to the best of our abilities and uphold our fiduciary duty as stewards of public funds and assets. I feel it would be a disservice to our local democracy to take away the voices of all council members.  We need full transparency and to be accountable to our ratepayers.”

This announcement comes as part of the province’s strategy to meet housing targets and other provincial goals.

The strong mayor powers are anticipated to be effective May 1, 2025, with the proposal being posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry until April 16, 2025.

Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities | Ontario Newsroom

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Sarah Huskinson, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of North Glengarry

cao@northglengarry.ca / T. 613-525-1110  / www.northglengarry.ca