Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark answers questions after an announcement at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto in 2020. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
The mayors of Toronto and Ottawa would have the authority to veto budget decisions and bylaws that contradict a provincial priority under new “strong mayor” powers introduced by the Ontario government on Wednesday.
Introducing the “Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act” legislation, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark said the new powers, if passed, would support the province’s commitment to speed up the construction of homes in these cities. The province’s goal is to build 1.5 million new homes across the province over the next 10 years.
“The bill would support additional decision-making to help our municipal partners cut red tape and speed up development timelines,” said Mr. Clark.
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But the legislation doesn’t just apply to municipal decisions about zoning or other housing-related rules.
With the proposed changes, the construction of the annual budget would become the responsibility of the two mayors and would cease to be a task for all the councils. City Council staff could still be delegated to prepare the budget, under the authority of the mayor. Once presented, councilors would have a predetermined, as-yet-undisclosed amount of time to approve amendments.
But any amendment can be overruled by the mayor using the power of veto. The veto authority would also apply to bylaws that mayors feel “could interfere with a provincial priority.” These priorities will be established by regulation and may be modified, the ministry said in a media briefing.
The Council can override a veto decision by a two-thirds majority vote. There will also be an oversight mechanism for the province if mayors are found to be abusing the veto power.
To veto a bylaw, mayors would have to give notice within two days of council approval of the bylaw and provide written justification. A council vote to override the veto would have to be held within 21 days.
The two mayors would also have the authority to hire and fire department chiefs, appoint a chief administrative officer and appoint commission chairs.
Strong mayoral powers are common in the United States, where council chiefs have more authority over board and committee appointments and other decisions. Last month, Premier Doug Ford said those powers will be tested in Toronto and Ottawa and could be expanded to other major cities in the future.
Mr. Clark planned to hold a media availability Wednesday afternoon to address the goal of the new legislation.
If approved, the proposed changes would take effect on November 15, which is the start of the new municipal term after the October municipal elections.
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