Mayoral Special Powers and Duties under the Municipal Act, 2001

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001. These include powers to:

• Appoint and dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer as well as various senior managers; (The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.)
• Create committees of Council, assign their functions, and appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs of committees of Council; (The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.)
• Propose the City’s budget subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a Council override process;
• Submit matters for Council’s consideration, or veto by-laws, if the Mayor believes it will advance a prescribed Provincial Priority; and
• Direct City staff in writing.

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. Mayoral decisions are available below.

For more information on the legislation, refer to O. Reg 530/22 as well as the overview provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the section, strong mayor powers and duties/the Ontario municipal councillor’s guide/ontario.ca