Municipal Government 101: What Does The Mayor Actually Do?

The role of a Mayor in Ontario has changed in recent years, and, understandably, many residents have questions about what the position actually involves.

The Mayor is the Head of Council and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the municipality under Ontario's Municipal Act, 2001. In that role, the Mayor provides leadership to Council, chairs Council meetings, represents the municipality, and helps ensure that the municipality carries out its responsibilities effectively.

The Township of Scugog has also been granted Strong Mayor Powers by the Province of Ontario. These powers give the Mayor additional authority in specific areas of municipal governance, such as aspects of the budget process, municipal administration, and the advancement of provincial priorities.

That doesn't mean the Mayor can simply do whatever they want.

Strong Mayor Powers are created by provincial legislation and can only be exercised in accordance with that legislation. They don't replace the Municipal Act, the Planning Act, or any other provincial law. The Mayor is still required to act within the authority granted by the Province.

Municipal government also continues to operate through a system of checks, balances, and accountability. Council continues to debate important issues, pass by-laws, make many municipal decisions, and represent the interests of residents. Municipal staff provide professional advice and administer the municipality in accordance with legislation and Council's decisions.

One of the things I learned during my years working in municipal government is that effective leadership isn't measured by how much power someone has. It's measured by how responsibly they use the authority they've been given.  None of the Mayors I have been fortunate enough to work with have exercised their Strong Powers.

That's why understanding the role of the Mayor is so important. Strong leadership is about respecting the law, working collaboratively, listening to residents, and making thoughtful decisions that serve the entire community.

The more we understand how municipal government works, the better equipped we are to ask good questions, evaluate campaign promises, and choose the leaders we believe will serve our community well.