‘Not compatible with how our community governs’: Strong Mayor Powers granted to Perth despite council’s resistance

The Town of Perth is among 170 municipalities across Ontario that were granted Strong Mayor Powers as of May 1 under legislation aimed at accelerating housing and infrastructure development; however, the move comes despite opposition from town council, which unanimously requested to be excluded from the province’s list of designated communities.

Strong Mayor Powers were introduced through the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 and the Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022. They grant heads of council expanded authority in areas such as budgeting, staffing, and advancing provincial priorities. These include the power to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer, hire or reorganize department heads, propose and veto certain by-laws, and create or lead committees of council.

In anticipation of the rollout, Perth council passed a motion on April 14 requesting removal from the designation list and sent a formal letter to the Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Despite that request, the powers were applied to Perth on May 1.

“This model is not compatible with how our community governs,” said Mayor Judy Brown in a statement. “Our council is committed to collaboration, transparency, and democratic process. Our residents did not vote for a system that concentrates decision-making in one office.”

While rejecting the authority structure, council emphasized its ongoing commitment to the province’s housing and infrastructure goals. Since the beginning of the current term, Perth has approved 120 affordable housing starts, donated land for 15 additional rent-geared-to-income units, approved an expansion adding 100 new homes, and is currently reviewing a proposed 1,000-home subdivision.

To support population growth projected to reach 10,500 residents by 2035, council has also committed to upgrading critical infrastructure. These initiatives include funding an expansion of the wastewater treatment lagoon in 2025, construction of a new water tower beginning in 2027, and updates to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to support infill development. Additional measures include supporting a new medical clinic and advancing several projects focused on responsible service expansion.

In early May, Perth council and senior staff participated in a Lanark County training session to better understand the operational implications of the new powers. The town says it has committed to ongoing evaluation, and will share further updates with the public as they become available.