Learn more about the Mayor's special powers and duties assigned by the province. Review mayoral decisions made under the Municipal Act. 

Message from Mayor Phil Schaefer

On May 1, 2025 Strong Mayor Powers were extended to me along with 168 other Ontario municipalities. Accepting these powers was not optional, and the province is doing this to advance their priority interests, namely around housing and infrastructure.

Understandably, this change can be concerning to residents, and municipal councillors. The Mayor is able to delegate some of these powers, and to that end today I have signed 3 Mayoral Decisions delegating certain powers as follows:

• Appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer delegated to Council
• Organizational Structure and Duties of Staff delegated to the CAO
• Establishing or Dissolving Committees delegated to Council

These are the first steps in navigating these new powers , and their associated responsibilities. There are many other changes established under this legislation. I hope the need to use the new powers does not present itself, but if, and only if,  the situation arises where they are needed, I will strictly act in the best interests of the residents of this municipality.

May 28, 2025

Strong Mayor Powers

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, which took effect May 1, 2025. These include powers to:

• appoint and dismiss the chief administrative officer (CAO);
• hire and dismiss certain Township staff (excluding the prescribed list);
• determine the organizational structure of the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock;
• create committees of council, assign their functions, and appoint their chairs and vice-chairs;
  • a prescribed committee consists solely of members of Council;
• propose the Township's annual budget subject to council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a council override process;
  • budget shall be prepared on or by February 1. If not, Council shall prepare and adopt the budget;
• submit matters for council's consideration, or veto by-laws, if the Mayor believes it will advance a prescribed provincial priority; and
• direct Township staff in writing.

The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties. 

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any decisions or directions made under the Act will be posted below.

The powers and duties of the Mayor are further described in O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 580/22.

Review Mayoral Decisions made under the Municipal Act, 2001

The following is a list of decisions issued under the Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

Review Mayoral Direction made under the Municipal Act, 2001

The Mayor also has the ability to direct staff to undertake research and provide advice on policies and programs of the Township or implement decisions made by the head of Council under the Act. Those decisions must also be in writing and available to the public.