Strong mayor powers are enhanced administrative and legislative authorities granted to the head of a municipal council to streamline decision-making and advance provincial or state priorities, particularly housing and infrastructure development.

No. Strong Mayor powers are established by the Province of Ontario for designated municipalities. A Mayor cannot simply eliminate them. However, provincial legislation allows certain powers to be delegated to Council or the CAO.

My approach would be to delegate those authorities where permitted because I believe Council should have a meaningful role in the decisions residents elected us to make.

In the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, the provincial government officially granted strong mayor powers on October 31, 2023. These powers were extended after the town committed to Ontario’s provincial housing targets to accelerate the construction of local infrastructure and homes.

As of October 31, 2023, the Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

• Appoint municipal chief administrative officers (CAOs) and other non-statutory department heads and restructure departments unilaterally*
• Create new identified committees and appoint chairs and vice-chairs of identified committees and local boards, and to change the make-up of committees*
• Propose the municipal budget and veto changes proposed by council, if required
• Veto certain bylaws if the mayor thinks all or part of the bylaw could potentially interfere with a provincial priority
• Bring forward matters for council consideration that can advance a provincial priority; and
• Direct town staff in writing

*The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.

No. My approach would always be to work with Council.

I believe a Mayor should be able to bring people together, work through disagreements and build consensus rather than relying on additional powers simply because Council has a different point of view.

There are certain powers and responsibilities established by provincial legislation that cannot simply be delegated away. In those situations, I would exercise my responsibilities carefully, transparently and with respect for the role of Council.

No. I believe it is the opposite.

Leadership isn’t about one person making every decision. A Mayor should set a positive tone, bring different perspectives together, help Council work through difficult issues and build consensus.

Residents elect a Council, not just a Mayor. I believe strong leadership means respecting that democratic process while helping Council work together effectively.

Disagreement is part of democracy. Nine people around a Council table are not always going to agree, and they shouldn’t be expected to.

The Mayor’s responsibility is to make sure different perspectives can be heard respectfully, keep Council focused on the issue and work toward common ground wherever possible.

I won’t expect Council to agree with me on every issue. I will expect us to work together professionally and keep the best interests of Bradford West Gwillimbury at the centre of our decisions.