MPP Lisa Gretzky tables motion to repeal undemocratic Strong Mayor Powers

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) introduced Motion #17 in the Ontario Legislature, urging the Ford Government to immediately rescind the Strong Mayor Powers granted through the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022.

“Strong mayor powers don’t make our cities stronger — they make them less democratic,” said Gretzky. “These powers reduce city councils to little more than advisory bodies, silencing the diverse voices of elected representatives who reflect the realities and needs of our neighbourhoods.”

Under the current legislation, mayors in designated municipalities can override decisions made by the majority of council and pass major decisions with support from just one-third of council members — a move Gretzky calls “deeply undemocratic.”

“Ontarians are proud of our local democracy,” she added. “We elect councillors to represent us — not to be overridden by a single mayor acting without majority support.”

Gretzky emphasized that solving Ontario’s housing and infrastructure challenges requires transparent, community-driven planning, not top-down directives. “If we truly want to fix the housing crisis and build better infrastructure, we must invest in local capacity and empower communities — not silence them.”

Many municipalities across the province have already passed their own motions rejecting strong mayor powers and calling on the Conservative government to repeal these powers, which were imposed without local consultation or request.