Wilmot, Woolwich mayors react to province’s expansion of strong powers

The Ontario government announced its intention to expand strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities this spring, including two local townships.

In a press release the province said, “This significant expansion reflects Ontario’s commitment to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development.”

Strong mayor powers were first enacted by the Ford government in 2022 and were only granted to Toronto and Ottawa. They were further expanded in July of 2023 and again in October of that year. Currently, there are 47 municipalities with the powers on the books.

Woolwich Township Mayor Sandy Shantz told 570 NewsRadio that she did not see this move coming.

“I guess it wasn’t really on my radar. Our township council is quite functional. We work quite well together and work quite well with our staff. So, I was surprised.”

Mayor of Wilmot Township, Natasha Salonen, said it wasn’t a move she was anticipating either.

“At this point, just really trying to understanding what this will mean for our township. But, I see it as more tools in our tool box.”

In its announcement, the province described strong mayor powers as: “Allowing heads of council of single- and lower-tier municipalities with councils of six members or more to support shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including roads and transit.”

It gives mayors greater veto powers as well the ability to create committees and appoint the chairs and to table their own budgets.

Salonen was asked if she could see this impacting the Wilmot land assembly plans in any way.

“The Region of Waterloo and the province of Ontario is trying to acquire land in the township of Wilmot. There’s nothing that I have seen or read that strong mayors would have an influence or impact on other levels of government trying to acquire land privately.”

Both mayors said they would taking a wait and see approach to see how this all shakes out. Salonen pointed out that the government’s proposal will be posted for discussion until April 16.

The province said the measures would come into effect on May 1, 2025.