Ontario plans to apply strong mayor powers in 169 more communities [Video]

Ontario is proposing to more than triple the number of mayors who have so-called strong mayor powers, looking to add 169 municipalities to the list.

The powers, which critics decry as undemocratic, include allowing heads of council to propose bylaws and pass them with the support of one-third of councillors, veto bylaws and hire and fire department heads.

Premier Doug Ford’s government first granted the powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa, and since then has expanded them a few times, with the list currently at 47.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said Wednesday in a press release that extending the powers to more municipalities across the province will help reduce obstacles to building housing and will streamline local governance.

“Heads of council are key partners in our efforts to build homes and infrastructure across the province,” Flack wrote.

“By extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, …