Mayoral Powers

Learn more about the Mayor's special powers and duties assigned by the province. This page also includes all mayoral decisions and directions made under the Municipal Act.

Strong Mayor Powers

On May 1, 2025, the Government of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to 170 additional municipalities, including the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Under this legislation, the Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Strong mayor powers and duties

Heads of council in strong mayor municipalities are able to:

  • Choose to appoint or dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer*
  • Hire or dismiss certain municipal department heads, and establish and reorganize divisions*
  • Create committees of Council, assign their functions and appoint the chairs and vice-chairs*
  • Direct employees to undertake research, implement decisions, and provide advice to the head of council and the municipality
  • Veto certain by-laws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with prescribed provincial priorities, such as housing, transit, and infrastructure
  • Bring forward matters for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority
  • Propose certain municipal by-laws if they are of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a prescribed provincial authority and such by-law is deemed to be passed if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour
  • Propose the municipal budget, subject to Council amendments, with the Mayor's ability to veto such amendments, which are subject to an override process that may be accomplished by two-thirds of Council

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

More information on strong mayor powers

For more information on strong mayor powers and duties, please see:

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.

Mayoral Direction made under the Municipal Act, 2001

Review the mayoral direction made under the Municipal Act, 2001

Mayoral Directions
 

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