Ontario Premier doug ford Considering new law that would give Toronto a mayor John Tory New powers and a possible veto on the city council, Global News has learned.
The Ford government is working on legislation that is expected to provide increased powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa, as well as tackle the issue of housing affordability.
The story was first reported by Toronto Star and was independently verified by Global News with three different sources.
The legislation will be on the table in a matter of weeks, after the Ontario legislature returns for a rare summer meeting beginning August 8.
A source, speaking confidentially, told Global News that the powers wielded by the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa would be increased so that they serve as mayors with “stronger powers”.
Under the current municipal system in Ontario, the mayor has just one vote in council and requires a majority of councilors to sign their agenda to speed, report or progress projects.
If the province’s new law significantly increases the power of mayors, the role of individual councillors may be reduced.
The increased powers are likely to come as part of a package of comprehensive municipal legislation, the source said. It is expected to tackle housing affordability issues including inclusive zoning.
The source said the powers could also include the mayor’s veto on the council.
Another source said there was no formal cabinet discussion and the scope of the law was still being refined.
Ontario voters will go to the polls on October 24 to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, when they will choose a mayor and local councillor.
The potential turmoil in Toronto and Ottawa City Hall reflects a controversial move by Ford in 2018, when it halved the size of the Toronto city council ahead of the final round of local elections.
In 2018, the municipal campaign was well underway when the Ontario legislature passed a law that reduced the number of council seats in Toronto from 47 to 25, aligning them with federal riding.
Ford – a former Toronto city councilor and unsuccessful mayoral candidate – argued at the time that the change would streamline council operations and save $25 million.
Reacting to the news, Ford may be re-engaging in how the government works at City Hall, Toronto Count. “The Premier of Ontario feels the people of Toronto are unable to control themselves,” said Gord Perks.
He asked city employees to bring back a brief report on the issue to council on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is also expected to issue a statement on Tuesday evening.
— With files from the Canadian Press
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