The City of Stratford has filed a legal challenge against Ontario's "Strong Mayor" powers.
The city announced on Monday afternoon that the application submitted to the court raises constitutional considerations. These include that the Strong Mayor legislation is inconsistent with section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the unwritten constitutional principles of the rule of law and democracy resulting in the removal of effective representation on city council. It contends the legislation undermines elected officials' ability to have an equal voice and violates city residents' right to effective representation.
"Council has expressed concerns about how the Strong Mayor framework may affect municipal governance, including how elected officials participate in decision-making," said Councillor Mark Hunter. "The Strong Mayor legislation ends majority rule in many city council meetings. I believe that this is inconsistent with our constitution. Proceeding through the courts allows those questions to be examined through an established legal process.”
The Ford government introduced Strong Mayor powers in Toronto and Ottawa in 2022. They were then extended to 26 more communities a year later. Then in 2025, the powers were granted to 169 additional municipalities and cities, including Stratford. The provincial government has billed the legislation as a way to help build more housing in Ontario. The powers give mayors control over the appointment of the chief administrative officer, the hiring and firing of department heads, the ability to veto some council votes, and pass bylaws that advance provincial priorities if one-third of council supports them.
Last May, council directed staff to work with the city solicitor to examine the possibility of issuing a legal challenge to the Strong Mayor legislation. In its filing, the city has asked the courts to declare the legislation to have no force and effect.
The city noted the cost of the legal challenge is being managed within its approved operating budget.
