Strong Mayor Powers

The Province of Ontario has expanded Strong Mayor Powers to the Town of Atikokan. These powers are designed to assist the Head of Council in achieving provincial priorities. They offer resources to streamline and accelerate key projects that align with both municipal and provincial goals, such as constructing more homes, enhancing transit and improving infrastructure across Ontario.

Under Part VI. 1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor has the following special powers and duties as the head of Town Council:

• Appointing and dismissing the Chief Administrative Officer*
• Hiring and dismissing certain municipal department heads, and establishing and reorganizing departments*
• Creating committees of Council, assigning their functions and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs*
• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to Council amendments, a Mayoral veto and a Council override process
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the Mayor is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with provincial priority
• Bringing forward matters for Council consideration if the Mayor is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority
• Directing municipal staff in writing to undertake research, provide advice, or carry out duties related to the Mayoral special powers

*The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing, give notice to the Clerk, and make decisions and directives available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.