Strong Mayor Powers

As of May 1, 2025, under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor has special powers and duties as Head of Council which include:

• Appointing the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer*
• Hiring certain Department Heads and establishing and reorganizing departments*
• Creating Committees of Council, assigning their functions, and appointing their Chairs and Vice-Chairs *
  • Committees of Council refers to committees composed solely of members of Council
• Proposing the Town’s budget, subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process
• Vetoing certain bylaws if the Mayor 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 Mayor is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
• Providing written direction to Town Staff.

*The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protections of Privacy Act, 1990. A public listing of Mayoral Decisions and Directions is available in the chart below.