Mayoral decisions

Learn more about the Mayor's special powers and duties assigned by the province.

Review mayoral decisions and directions made under the Municipal Act. 

On this page:

1. Statement from Mayor Dorothy McCabe
2. Strong mayor powers
3. Review mayoral decisions
4. Review mayoral direction

Statement from Mayor Dorothy McCabe

The provincial government extended Strong Mayor powers to municipalities that have committed to a housing pledge as part of the province’s work plan for ‘building more homes faster’. However, I have informed Council and staff that I do not intend to use these powers.

In July 2023, I delegated back to the CAO the authorities commonly and regularly provided to CAOs across municipalities in Ontario. 

In September 2023, I issued a direction to staff to prepare the budget for public engagement and council consideration after February 2, 2023 and informed the Finance Liaison and the internal budget committee  that I will not introduce my own budget. 

I have made these decisions because Strong Mayor powers are not necessary for me to utilize in order for the City of Waterloo to advance approvals for housing developments of all varieties. In addition, I am concerned that utilizing Strong Mayor powers will undermine the work of Council, staff and the input from our residents and community partners and does a disservice to local democracy.

"The work of our municipality and building a successful community requires the input and expertise of Council, staff and the community we collectively serve."

October 30, 2023

Strong mayor powers

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, which took effect in July 2023. These include powers to:

• appoint and dismiss senior managers (either by the Mayor or their delegate)
• create committees of council, assign their functions, and appoint their chairs and vice-chairs (either by the Mayor or their delegate)
• propose the city’s budget (subject to council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a council override process)
• submit matters for council's consideration if the Mayor believes it supports a provincial priority
• veto bylaws if the Mayor believes it supports a provincial priority
• direct city staff in writing

The Mayor must exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.