The Ontario government has announced its decision to extend strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities, including Woolwich and Wilmot townships, starting this spring. The move, part of the province’s ongoing efforts to streamline local governance, is aimed at providing municipalities with the tools needed to overcome barriers to housing and infrastructure development.
In a press release, the provincial government emphasized that the expansion of strong mayor powers would help municipalities reduce obstacles to important development projects, such as new housing and infrastructure. These powers, which were first introduced by Premier Doug Ford’s government in 2022, were initially granted to Toronto and Ottawa. They were expanded in mid-2023 and again in October of that year, with 47 municipalities currently able to utilize them.
Woolwich Township Mayor Sandy Shantz shared her surprise at the news when speaking with 570 NewsRadio, stating, “I guess it wasn’t really on my radar. Our township council is quite functional. We work quite well together and with our staff. So, I was surprised.”
Similarly, Natasha Salonen, Mayor of Wilmot Township, expressed her lack of anticipation for the change, stating, “At this point, I’m just really trying to understand what this will mean for our township. But, I see it as more tools in our toolbox.”
The provincial government describes strong mayor powers as a mechanism to allow mayors of single- and lower-tier municipalities, with councils of six or more members, to better align local priorities with provincial objectives. These include encouraging the approval of new housing and developing infrastructure such as roads and transit systems. The powers grant mayors greater authority, including veto powers, the ability to create and appoint chairs to committees, and the ability to table their own budgets.
When asked whether this change could impact Wilmot’s land assembly plans, Mayor Salonen noted that the Region of Waterloo and the province are working to acquire land within the township. However, she emphasized that she hasn’t seen any indication that the strong mayor powers would influence these efforts or affect other levels of government trying to acquire private land.
Both mayors have indicated that they will adopt a “wait and see” approach as they assess how the expanded powers will affect their municipalities. Mayor Salonen highlighted that the provincial proposal will be open for public discussion until April 16, 2025.
According to the province, the new measures are set to take effect on May 1, 2025.
