Cobourg Mayor Releases Statement Regarding “Strong Mayor 101”

(Today’s Northumberland file photo)

In Ontario, the term “Strong Mayor” has been used often — but rarely explained clearly. I hope to outline what these powers actually are, where they stop, and most importantly, how council remains firmly in control of the town’s direction.

My concern is there continues to appear to be a patently false narrative being spread around Strong Mayor Powers  particularly regarding our Town budget. These narratives are simply not true but are being spread for reasons of politically motivated self serving machinations. I urge anyone with concerns to do their own research.

Strong Mayor powers are not about replacing council or centralizing authority. They are legislated to help municipalities act more quickly on provincial priorities such as housing, growth, infrastructure, and service delivery. These powers do not remove accountability.

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What Strong Mayor Powers Allow

The Strong Mayor framework gives the Mayor several tools:

• To prepare the draft municipal budget;
• To assign certain responsibilities to senior staff;
• To create or dissolve committees;
• And to veto council decisions only when they conflict with provincial priorities.

While these powers may sound broad, they are limited and highly structured by Provincial law.

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Where Strong Mayor Powers Stop

1. Council Holds Final Authority

Council retains the ability to overrule the Mayor with a two-thirds vote. If a Mayor vetoes a council decision, council can overturn it. This ensures the Mayor leads — but does not rule.

2. Provincial Goals Must Be Followed

Every decision under Strong Mayor powers must support the Province’s stated priorities. If a Mayor acts outside these goals, decisions can be challenged — and potentially invalidated.

3. The Budget Is Still Decided by Council

The Mayor may draft the first version of the municipal budget. But council debates it, amends it, and ultimately decides whether it passes. The Mayor proposes — council decides.

4. Staff Management Has Clear Boundaries

The Mayor may hire or assign some senior staff members — but must still follow contracts, employment law, and administrative structure. Day-to-day staffing authority remains with municipal administration.

5. Bylaws Cannot Be Passed by the Mayor Alone

No Mayor can create a bylaw without council approval. Debate, vote, procedure, and transparency remain essential — and required.

6. Committees Are Still Accountable to Council

The Mayor can reshuffle or create committees, but their work is not binding. Council retains the authority to change recommendations, send matters back, or vote them down entirely.

7. Transparency and Process Still Apply

All Strong Mayor actions must comply with:

• Ontario’s Municipal Act
• Public notice rules
• Accountability and integrity procedures
• Open meeting requirements