Expanding Strong Mayor Powers, Improving Ambulance Procurement

Province Expanding Strong Mayor Powers 

Yesterday, the province announced the expansion of strong mayor powers to another 169 municipalities as of May 1, 2025. The extension of the additional authority is intended to assist with delivering on provincial priorities, including building more homes, transit and infrastructure across Ontario. 

Strong mayor powers were originally introduced in 2022 and then expanded in 2023. At the time, the AMO Board did not take a position on strong mayor powers but expressed openness to the idea. It did express concerns with some aspects of the legislation – particularly those affecting public administration – and recommended public consultation before continued expansion of the new powers to additional municipal councils. AMO also expressed concern with the provision eliminating the need for majority council support for certain decisions related to provincial priorities.    

As the most trusted order of government, AMO knows municipalities can be counted on to exercise new powers accountably and in the best interests of the public and the communities they serve. 

Improving Ambulance Procurement in Ontario 

AMO has been a vocal advocate that the cost and timelines to get ambulances on the road are putting Ontarians at a disadvantage. The province is taking action to address these concerns and has certified a Canadian manufacturer to produce ambulances for the Ontario market. Ontario’s municipalities are proud to deliver paramedic services across the province. More competition in the market will help ensure communities can deliver high-quality emergency care on time and cost effectively for years to come.