Strong Mayor Powers: Where Does Your Municipality Stand — and What It Means for You

In a quiet shift that could have big consequences for local governance, Ontario has expanded strong mayor powers to 169 municipalities—including Cornwall and North Glengarry. The move is part of the province’s plan to fast-track housing construction by giving certain mayors more authority to push forward development projects.

But here’s the catch: not every community is affected the same way. And not every mayor wants the extra power.

If you live in the Cornwall and SDG region, here’s what you need to know—and what it could mean for your community.

What Are “Strong Mayor Powers”?

Put simply, strong mayor powers give mayors more control over how your city or town is run. Under Ontario’s Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, these powers include the ability to:

• Hire and fire senior city staff (including the Chief Administrative Officer)
• Bypass council to reorganize departments and committees
• Write and submit the municipal budget
• Veto certain by-laws that clash with “provincial priorities” like housing
• Direct staff to take action without a council vote

The goal of the strong mayor powers, according to the Ford government, is to speed up housing development across the province and meet the target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031. Read more on the province’s plan here.

Cornwall: Powers Granted — and Welcomed

Cornwall was among the municipalities granted strong mayor powers as of May 1st 2025. Mayor Justin Towndale has publicly supported the move, calling it a practical tool for addressing housing needs.

“These powers are a positive thing for Cornwall,” he told Cornwall Newswatch. “They give us the ability to be more responsive, particularly when it comes to important issues like housing and infrastructure.”

What it means for you: If you live in Cornwall, your mayor now has more decision-making authority—especially on matters tied to housing. That could mean faster development approvals, but also fewer checks and balances from council.

North Glengarry: Powers Offered — and Refused

North Glengarry also made the list, but Mayor Jamie MacDonald turned the strong mayor powers down.

“I believe that these powers are not required in the Township of North Glengarry,” he wrote in a statement. “Each individual was elected to council with one vote—including myself… It would be a disservice to our local democracy.” (Source)

What it means for you: In North Glengarry, decisions will continue to be made by full council, not just the mayor. MacDonald’s stance reflects a preference for collaboration over authority.

What About the Rest of SDG?

Not Eligible (for now):

• South Dundas
• North Dundas
• South Stormont
• North Stormont
• South Glengarry

These five municipalities did not receive strong mayor powers. Why? Because their councils have fewer than six members, and the legislation only applies to municipalities meeting that size threshold.

But even if they were eligible, some mayors say they wouldn’t want them.

South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad said he’s happy with the status quo. “I don’t need direct unilateral power,” Broad told The Morrisburg Leader. “I want to work on these things as a group—as a team.”

What Are People Saying?

Some residents worry the shift in power could undermine local democracy.

Cornwall resident Brian Lynch, a former Mayor, called the powers “undemocratic,” warning “Minority rule sets a dangerous precedent and has no place in our democracy” (Source)

Others argue it’s a needed step to get housing built in a timely way—especially as demand surges and affordability declines.

Could These Powers Expand Beyond Housing?

That’s one of the biggest concerns. While the province says the powers are currently tied to “provincial priorities”—mainly housing—those priorities can change without a vote in the legislature.

Legal experts have flagged this as a red flag. According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, there’s potential for future expansion into other policy areas, like economic development, zoning, or public services.

In short: what starts as housing could become something broader, and the balance of power at the local level could shift further.

What’s Next?

This is still a developing issue. For now:

• Cornwall: The mayor has strong powers and plans to use them, especially for housing and infrastructure.
• North Glengarry: The strong mayor powers were refused in favour of democratic collaboration.
• Other SDG municipalities: Not eligible, and most leaders seem content to keep things that way—for now.

But if your community grows or the rules change, that could shift. The strong mayor model is a significant departure from how municipal governments have traditionally worked in Ontario.

Final Thought: What You Can Do

If you’re concerned (or excited) about these changes, don’t stay quiet. Attend council meetings. Ask your mayor and councillors where they stand. Participate in local planning consultations.

Democracy doesn’t stop at the ballot box—and how power is used (or not used) at the local level affects your everyday life more than most people realize.

To read more about Strong Mayor Powers, click here.