Strong mayor powers give heads of council the power to set budgets, veto bylaws, and pass bylaws with just one-third of their council’s support, only if these bylaws deal with provincial priorities outlined in O. Reg. 580/22, which include the province’s goal to build 1.5 million homes by 2031. They’ll also take charge of appointing senior civil servants in their municipalities.
The legislation marks a significant change in how municipalities are governed, from a “weak mayor” system that requires compromise and concession between all members of an elected council, to a more centralized “executive” power in the office of the mayor.
Mayor Ellis accepted the Strong Mayor’s powers sometime before October 15, 2023. His signature on a letter of acceptance is all that is required to invoke the strong mayor powers on behalf of the city.
Building Faster Fund housing targets
Belleville was added to the Building Faster Fund on August 21, 2023 and was assigned a housing target of 3,100 new homes by 2031.
There has been a decline in housing starts by the private residential building sector in 2023 despite record approvals by the City of Belleville.
More: Ontario Housing Target Tracker
Strong Mayors decisions
The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) which the city publishes on their website.
Strong Mayors impact on the Operating Budget
The operating budget is prepared under the Strong Mayors legislation (O.Reg. 530/22), making changes to the timeline and requirements, but otherwise leaving the budget process fairly consistent with previous years.
Under the legislation the Mayor shall:
- Prepare and present the proposed budget to each Member of Council and the Clerk by February 1st. The proposed budget must also be made available to the public.
- Amendment Period (February 1 – March 1): Council will have the ability to provide amendments to the budget within the 30 day deadline
- Veto Period (March 2 – March 11): The Mayor will have the ability to veto amendments (in writing) within 10 days after the expiry of the 30 day period above
- Overriding a veto (March 12 – March 26): Council will have the ability to override the Mayor’s veto (if utilized) with a 2/3 vote within 15 days of the expiry of the veto
- After the expiry of the time period for council to override the Mayor’s veto, the proposed budget is deemed to be adopted by the municipality and does not require a vote of Council.
