The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was granted Strong Mayor Powers, as part of Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act 2022, effective May 1, 2025.
Understanding Strong Mayor Powers
Strong Mayor Powers are legislative tools that give mayors greater authority in certain areas, such as hiring staff and preparing budgets, to help streamline local decision-making. The province granted these powers to support priority goals like increasing housing supply, with a target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.
Strong Mayor Power Details
This legislation and associated regulations [O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 580/22] provide the Lord Mayor with additional powers beyond those previously set out in the Municipal Act, 2001.
Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, the Lord Mayor of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has the following unique powers and duties:
- Appointing and dismissing the Chief Administrative Officer*
- Hiring and dismissing certain municipal department heads, and establishing and reorganizing departments*
- Creating Committees of Council, assigning their functions, and appointing the Chairs and Vice Chairs*
- Proposing the Town's budget, which would be subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process
- Vetoing certain By-laws, if the Lord Mayor is of the opinion that all or part of a By-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority
- Bringing forward matters for Council consideration, if the Mayor is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority
- Directing municipal staff in writing to undertake research, provide advice, or carry out duties related to the Mayoral special powers
*The Lord Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.
Read the Strong Mayors Infographic
Where can I learn more?
- Provincial Announcement - Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities
- Provincial Announcement - Strong Mayor Powers Proposed for 169 Additional Municipalities
Strong Mayor Directions and Decisions
The Lord Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing, give notice to the Town Clerk, and make decisions and directives available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Decisions and directives to date are listed below.
| Date | Type | Number | Subject Matter |
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