Ontario is planning a major expansion of its “strong mayor” powers, extending the tool to 169 more municipalities effective May 1st – including Norfolk County.
The County was previously offered strong mayor powers but council turned them down.
The move is part of the province’s strategy to speed up the approval of housing, transit and infrastructure projects.
The expanded powers will be available to heads of council in both single- and lower-tier municipalities that have at least six council members.
These powers give mayors more control over budgets and appointments and the ability to push through priorities that align with provincial goals—primarily boosting housing supply.