Say NO to Strong Mayor Powers
in North Glengarry!
This sweeping change threatens to undermine local democracy and fast-track development without real public consultation.
Share your concerns here: https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=50013&language=en
DEADLINE: APRIL 16, 2025
— URGENT! ACT NOW!
What Are Strong Mayor Powers?
Strong mayor powers are special authorities granted by the Ontario government that give the mayor sweeping control over municipal decisions, bypassing council votes.
These powers are now proposed for North Glengarry.
Why Residents Are Concerned:
- Excessive Concentration of Power
The mayor can override council decisions, weakening local democratic checks and balances. - Fast-Tracked Developments
Housing and infrastructure projects can be approved without proper community input. - Veto Authority
The mayor can block bylaws that don’t align with provincial housing and growth priorities. - Provincial Agenda First
Local needs risk being ignored in favor of Queen’s Park’s centralized directives. - Rezoning Farmland Before Residents Arrive
Hundreds or thousands of homes may be built without reviewing long-term agricultural impact. - Property Tax Hikes
The mayor can raise taxes outside the regular annual budget to fund new projects.
“Today the Ontario Government announced that it will be expanding strong mayor powers to the heads of council of an additional 169 municipalities effective May 1, 2025. This represents single and lower tier municipalities with municipal councils of six members or more.
This change will be made through a regulatory amendment to O. Reg. 530/22 which is available for comment until April 16. Unlike previous expansions of the regulation, it does not appear that municipalities will be required to commit to a housing pledge in order to be granted the powers.”
Regulatory Registry – Public comment – Deadline is April 16, 2025
https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=50013&language=en
Sample Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
To:
Local Government Policy Branch
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
777 Bay Street, 13th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Web: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-municipal-affairs-housing
Re: Opposition to the Proposed Expansion of Strong Mayor Powers – Proposal Number: 25-MMAH002
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a concerned resident and stakeholder of North Glengarry, Ontario, a proud and productive agricultural community in Eastern Ontario, to express my strong opposition to the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 that would extend “strong mayor” powers to our municipality.
North Glengarry is rooted in agriculture. Our farms not only feed our communities, but contribute to the economic stability and ecological health of the entire region. Urban expansion and unchecked development, enabled by centralized power in a single office, threatens to erode the very foundation of our food supply and rural heritage.
The “Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act” and related legislation, while intended to accelerate housing and infrastructure projects, dangerously bypass the collaborative, democratic processes that municipalities like North Glengarry rely on to make balanced, community-driven decisions. Granting unilateral powers to the head of council undermines the voice of local councils and the people they represent, and could fast-track developments that permanently alter or destroy prime agricultural land.
We cannot afford to sacrifice our farmland under the guise of housing targets set by Queen’s Park. Urban growth must be planned responsibly, with full transparency and public consultation. Municipal governance should remain grounded in local accountability—not overridden by provincial directives or concentrated authority.
I urge the Ministry to reconsider the expansion of strong mayor powers to rural and agricultural municipalities like North Glengarry. Protecting our food supply and farmland must take precedence over bureaucratic efficiency. If passed, this amendment risks stripping our communities of the ability to shape their own future in a way that reflects local values, priorities, and environmental responsibilities.
Please do not move forward with this proposal. Rural Ontario deserves a voice, not a rubber stamp.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Resident, North Glengarry, Ontario
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STOP BESS IN NORTH GLENGARRY ONTARIO. SIGN THE PETITION AT CHANGE.ORG, THANK YOU!