Strong Mayor Powers, Decisions, and Directions

The mayor has special powers and duties under part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

These include powers to:

• bring matters to council that advance certain provincial priorities and veto any by-laws passed by council that may interfere with the advancement of those priorities
• create committees of council, assign their functions and appoint the chairs and vice chairs of committees of council
• propose the municipality's budget subject to council amendments, a mayoral veto and a council override process
• appoint and dismiss the chief administrative officer
• hire and dismiss various leadership positions and determine the organizational structure of the municipality
• direct municipal staff, in writing, to do certain things related to their additional powers and duties

There are certain powers and duties the mayor may choose to delegate.

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 Protection of Privacy Act.