"Less than half of the province's strong mayors appeared to be using their controversial powers in the months ahead of a sweeping expansion of the system to 170 additional communities, according to estimates by Ontario's civil service. Those findings are detailed in internal Ontario Public Service reports that tracked the use of so-called strong mayor powers until March 31. CBC News obtained the reports through a freedom of information request. According to the reports, 48 per cent of the 46 mayors had used the powers at least once by that point."
"Ford created strong mayor system to build housing Premier Doug Ford's government created the strong mayor system in 2022, saying it did so to help build housing after promising to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. But Ontario's housing market has ground to a halt in recent years. The powers give mayors control over appointments, the ability to hire and fire most city staff, vetoes over some council votes and the ability to pass some bylaws with support of only a third of council."
Ontario Public Service tracking through March 31 showed 48 per cent of 46 strong mayors had used at least one of their enhanced powers. A quarter of strong mayors reportedly delegated all powers to city council or chief administrative officers. The strong mayor authority grants control over appointments, hiring and firing of most city staff, vetoes on some council votes, and the ability to pass certain bylaws with only one-third council support. The framework originated in 2022 to accelerate housing delivery amid a 1.5 million homes promise, and the system later expanded to 216 municipalities.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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