Strong Mayor Powers

Strong Mayor Powers in Effect as of May 1, 2025

Strong Mayor powers are intended to support the delivery of key municipal and provincial priorities, including housing, infrastructure, and streamlined governance.

The Mayor of the Town of Iroquois Falls holds enhanced powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended by the Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022. These powers are granted to help municipalities advance Provincial Priorities, including the goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

These powers and duties include:

• Appointing and dismissing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
• Hiring and dismissing Division or Department Heads (excluding those on the prescribed list), and restructuring municipal divisions or departments unilaterally
• Establishing Committees of Council (consisting solely of Council members), assigning their functions, and appointing the Chairs and Vice Chairs of those committees
• Proposing the Town’s annual budget, which is subject to:
• Council amendments
• A Mayoral veto
• A Council override process
  If the Mayor does not propose a budget by February 1, Council must prepare and adopt the budget
• Vetoing by-laws if the Mayor believes they may interfere with a Provincial Priority
• Submitting matters for Council consideration that the Mayor believes will advance a Prescribed Provincial Priority
• Issuing written directions to Town Staff

These powers apply solely to the Mayor, though the Mayor may choose to delegate certain powers and duties as permitted under the legislation.

The Mayor must exercise these powers in writing and give notice to the Town Clerk and/or Chief Administrative Officer. All Mayoral Decisions and Directions will be made available to the public in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

Public Transparency

A listing of Mayoral Decisions and Directions will be maintained on this page as they are issued. Residents are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.

Oversight and Council’s Role

• Council may amend the budget, subject to a veto and override process
• Certain by-laws proposed by the Mayor to advance Provincial Priorities are considered passed if more than one-third of Council members vote in favor

Additional Information

• O. Reg. 530/22 - Strong Mayor Powers: Governance and Staff
• O. Reg. 580/22 - Provincial Priorities

Questions?

If you have questions about Strong Mayor Powers or a specific Mayoral Decision or Direction, please contact:

Maureen Reeder, Clerk
mreeder@iroquoisfalls.com