High level report requested to explain impact of 'strong mayor' powers

 

Posted September 9, 2025​

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Last May, the provincial government bestowed upon New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross 'strong mayor' powers, unsolicited, that shifted significant decision making authority away from councillors.

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These new powers include:

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• Proposing the municipal budget for Council’s consideration. Any amendments can be vetoed by the Mayor, which is in turn subject to override if two-thirds of the members of Council vote to override the veto.

• Assuming all of the powers of the Chief Administrative Officer, who is responsible for exercising general control and management of the affairs of the municipality.

• Hiring and dismissing municipal staff, including the Chief Administrative Officer and division heads. Certain statutory roles are excluded from this discretion, including the clerk, treasurer, chief building official, chief of police, fire chief and chief medical officer, among others.

• Requiring Council to consider a particular matter if the Mayor believes it “could potentially advance” a provincial priority, including proposing by-laws and requiring Council to vote on the by-law. Council can pass such a by-law if more than one-third vote in favour, which includes the Mayor's vote, and despite the requirements of any procedural by-law passed by the municipality.

• Vetoing certain by-laws, if the Mayor believes it “could potentially interfere” with a provincial priority. Council may override the veto if two-thirds of the members vote to override it.

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Considering New Tecumseth is about to enter its first budget process under the new system, Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan moved a motion directing staff to prepare a "public-facing" report on all its implications. Including:

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• The statutory budget process under the Strong Mayor framework;

• The Mayor’s exclusive authority to propose the budget and direct staff in its preparation;

• The limited process by which Council may amend the proposed budget;

• The Mayor’s power to veto Council amendments and the conditions under which Council may override such a veto;

• The implications of these powers for public consultation, transparency, and Council’s role in financial oversight.

 

MacLellan's motion was approved without debate, and the report will be posted on the Town's website when completed.