‘Shocked when this came forward’: Perth council unanimously opposes Strong Mayor powers

At a Special Council Meeting held on the morning of Monday, April 14, Perth council members voted unanimously to formally request removal from the province’s list of municipalities slated to receive Strong Mayor powers, citing deep concerns about democratic erosion and lack of public consultation.

Last week, the province announced Strong Mayor Powers for 169 additional municipalities, including Perth and five others in Lanark County, effective May 1. A media release from the government said the expansion reflects Ontario’s commitment to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development, the government detailed. The powers would reportedly allow heads of council of single- and lower-tier municipalities with councils of six members or more to support shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing, and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including roads and transit.

A total of 47 other Ontario mayors in larger municipalities already hold this power.

“I was shocked when this came forward—that a small town like ours would be given Strong Mayor capability,” said Perth Mayor Judy Brown. “While there may be rare situations where this kind of authority could be useful, such as breaking a deadlock, the potential for abuse far outweighs any benefits. That’s already been seen in other communities. I would not support the idea of having these powers.”

Council members raised issues around reduced opportunities for staff and community input, the lack of consultation with residents, and the broader pattern of provincial legislation that has limited the ability of municipalities, conservation authorities, and the public to influence how development unfolds in their communities. Council also noted that Perth residents did not elect this council under a system that includes Strong Mayor powers, and introducing such a shift without thorough public input is cause for serious concern.

If implemented, these powers would allow the mayor to:

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments.
• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.
• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.
• Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Council can pass these by-laws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour.
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.
• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is accepting public comments on the proposed regulatory amendment until Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Residents who wish to provide input are encouraged to do so via the Province’s Regulatory Registry at OntarioCanada.com/Registry.