Notice of Motion

Strong Mayor Powers

Moved by: Councillor Kieran McKenzie
Seconded by: ________________________

WHEREAS the Province of Ontario, through O. Reg. 530/22 under the Municipal Act, 2001, designated the City of Windsor as a “Strong Mayor” community, granting enhanced powers to the Mayor effective July 1, 2023; and, 

WHEREAS the Strong Mayor powers significantly alter the balance of governance at the municipal level, undermining the role of Council in decision-making and weakening the fundamental democratic principle of majority rule; and, 

WHEREAS the City of Windsor has a long history of collaborative, transparent, and accountable local governance built upon a foundation of Council-debate and shared decision-making; and, 

WHEREAS several members of Windsor City Council, as well as municipally elected officials across the province and members of the public have expressed significant concern regarding the imposition of these powers; and, 

WHEREAS the City of Windsor did not formally request or express a desire to be designated under the Strong Mayor framework; and, 

WHEREAS a growing number of municipalities and elected officials across Ontario are questioning the appropriateness of the Strong Mayor system and are calling for its reconsideration or repeal; and therefore, 

BE IT RESOLVED that Windsor City Council FORMALLY REQUEST that the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing immediately REMOVE the City of Windsor from the list of municipalities designated under the Strong Mayor legislation; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution BE SENT to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, all regional Members of Provincial Parliament, all Ontario municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for their awareness and support.

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