The Ford government is working on legislation that is expected to grant increased powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa, as well as address the issue of housing affordability. The story was first reported by The Toronto Star and independently verified by Global News with three separate sources. The legislation will be tabled in a few weeks after Ontario’s legislature returns for a rare summer session starting Aug. 8.
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A source, speaking confidentially, told Global News that the powers of the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa will be increased to act as mayors with “powerful powers.” Story continues below ad Under the current municipal system in Ontario, the mayor has only one vote on council and needs a majority of councilors to sign off on their agenda to move forward with proposals, reports or projects. If new provincial legislation significantly increases the power of mayors, the role of individual councilors could be reduced. The source said the increased powers would likely come as part of a package of wider municipal legislation. It is expected to address housing affordability issues, including zoning. The powers could also include a mayoral veto on the council, the source said. Trending Stories
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A different source said that no formal discussions had taken place in the cabinet and that the scope of the legislation was still being refined. Voters across Ontario will go to the polls on October 24th to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, when they will choose a mayor and local councillor. The potential upheaval in Toronto and Ottawa city hall mirrors a controversial move Ford made in 2018, when it cut the size of Toronto city council in half before the last round of local elections. In 2018, the mayoral campaign was underway when the Ontario legislature passed a law that reduced the number of council seats in Toronto to 25 from 47, aligning them with the federal seats. Story continues below ad Ford — a former Toronto councilor and failed mayoral candidate — argued at the time that the change would streamline city council operations and save $25 million.
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Reacting to the news, Ford could once again be involved in how government works at Toronto’s city hall. Gord Perks said: “The Premier of Ontario believes that the people of Toronto are incapable of governing themselves.” He asked city staff to bring a brief report on the issue to the city council on Wednesday. An announcement is expected to be issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing on Tuesday afternoon. — with files from The Canadian Press 1:55 Toronto loses Supreme Court battle over council cuts Toronto loses Supreme Court battle over council cuts – October 1, 2021 © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
