The system would initially apply on a trial basis in Ottawa and Toronto, with the possibility of being expanded to other cities
Toronto Mayor John Tory welcomed the prospect of gaining more authority, as the province is considering through introducing the so-called strong-mayor system, while critics warned that the city has recent evidence of the risk of empowering its top politician.
The possibility of Ontario moving toward a strong-mayor system was first reported by the Toronto Star and would apply initially on a trial basis in Toronto and Ottawa.Wednesday and said that it could eventually be expanded to other larger cities. Although specifics about the powers are still being sorted out, Mr. Ford said the mayors will have a veto authority on certain issues.
The provincial government is hoping this expanded power helps address the housing supply issue in major cities and gets projects approved faster. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark said this is a tool that can be used to get homes built at a quicker pace. “Just because John Tory is receiving more powers from the province doesn’t mean that he has the vision to use them any better than he’s used the powers that he has in a weak mayor system,” Mr. Lombardi said.
And he noted that the proposed provincial shift would come against the backdrop of a global trend toward stronger-mayor systems. City Councillor Josh Matlow noted that this shift would diminish the responsibility of councillors. And he pointed to Rob Ford as a reason not to increase the powers of the mayor.
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