Mayoral Powers, Decisions & Directions

Mayoral Powers Under the Municipal Act

The Town of Grimsby was granted Strong Mayor Powers, as part of Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, effective May 1, 2025.

Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, the Mayor has the following special powers and duties as the head of Council:

• Appointing the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer.*
• Hiring and dismissing certain municipal department heads, and establishing and re-organizing departments.*
• Creating Committees of Council, assigning their functions and appointing the Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees of Council.*
• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to Council amendments, as well as a Mayoral veto and Council override process.
• Vetoing certain By-laws if the Mayor is of the opinion that all or part of the By-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.
• Bringing forward matters for Council consideration if the Mayor is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
• Directing municipal staff in writing to undertake research, provide advice, or carry out duties related to the Mayoral special powers.

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

A staff memorandum outlining more information on Strong Mayor Powers can be viewed here.

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. A public listing of Mayoral Decisions and Directions is available below.