A new group that wants to see an end to the Strong Mayor Powers

By Pepper Parr

August 1st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Summer is a tough time to get anything done; the BBQ circuit is busy, but it’s mostly chit chat and getting caught up – maybe a little strategizing to see what might float.

Thus, the surprise when we are told about a new “Voice”: (Vocal Ontario Integrity Coalition for Electeds).  The are Council Members Opposed to Strong Mayor Powers

They sent the following to:

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward – has Strong Mayor Powers that haven’t been used all that much; only when she has to, for the most part.

To: All Ontario Municipal Council Members
Re: United Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers – A Call to Action

Dear Council Members,

We write to you as a coalition of municipal council members from across Ontario, united under the banner of V.O.I.C.E. Our group formed out of growing concern over the expanding use of Strong Mayor Powers in this province. These powers grant disproportionate authority to a single elected official, undermining the democratic role of councils and the principle of collaborative governance.

To date, over 130 municipalities, out of the 216 currently operating under Strong Mayor Powers have formally voiced their opposition. Momentum is building, but more voices are needed to safeguard local democracy. The time to act is now.

We are pursuing a two-pronged strategy:

Advocacy and Awareness at the 2025 AMO Conference

We’ve secured dedicated space during the AMO Conference in Ottawa, taking place August 17–20, to spotlight this issue. We warmly invite you to attend:

Monday, August 18th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Joey Rideau – 50 Rideau Street, Ottawa
https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-rideau

Our keynote speaker, Councillor Mark Hunter of Stratford, an experienced municipal council member and practising lawyer will speak on the legal and democratic implications of Strong Mayor Powers and how councils can respond. This is your opportunity to connect with peers, ask questions, and strengthen our collective voice. No RSVP required, just come ready to engage.

Municipal Resolutions and Coordinated Legal Action

We urge councils to:

1. Pass a formal resolution opposing Strong Mayor Powers.
2. Consider financial support, in any amount, toward a potential Charter challenge, if dialogue with the province fails.
3. Forward any passed resolutions for financial support or opposition to Strong Mayor Powers to Councillor Paula Banks (contact below).
4. Note that all contributions can be conditional on widespread municipal participation. A constitutional law expert will be retained to lead or support the case alongside participating municipal legal teams.

Why Collective Action Matters

This issue is too critical for any municipality to face alone. Acting together provides:

1. Shared costs, reducing the burden on individual councils.
2. A strong, united voice to clearly signal to the province that local democracy must not be eroded.

Ward 3 Councillor, currently living in ward 2, is expected to be one of the Councillors that will support the VOICE position.

Lisa Kearns, Ward 2 Councillor, will almost certainly vote to support the VOICE position. She might well lead the effort to get everyone onside.

Let’s see if the VOICE can gain any traction.  Will such a resolution get passed by the Burlington City Council?  Could happen – the votes are there – someone has to spearhead this – Nisan and Kearns are the obvious two – maybe they could work together on this.  Kearns would love to see it happen.  Might she suggest to the Mayor that she has a conflict?

Thank you for your continued dedication to your community and principled governance. We look forward to connecting with you in Ottawa.