Effective May 1, 2025, the Province of Ontario extended Strong Mayor Powers to the Township of Minden Hills to councils consisting of six or more members across the province.

Strong mayor powers offer resources to the heads of council to accelerate the implementation of key shared municipal-provincial priorities including: building more homes, transit, roads, and other infrastructure.

These changes are being put in place help deliver on provincial priorities and are detailed under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 along with O. Reg. 530/22.

Summary of Powers and Duties

Strong Mayor Powers and duties include:

• Appoint and dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer;
• Determine the organizational structure;
• Hire and dismiss various division heads (excluding those prescribed under section 284.6(3));
• Create committees of Council, assign their functions, and appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs of those committees;
• Propose the Township’s annual budget subject to Council amendments, 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 municipal staff to undertake research, provide advice on policies and programs, or implement any decisions related to Strong Mayor Powers.

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

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and give notice to the Clerk and/or Chief Administrative Officer. These decisions are to be made available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). A public listing of Mayoral decisions and directions will be available below on this page as decisions are made.