Special Powers and Duties of the Head of Council (Mayor)

Special Powers and Duties of the Head of Council (Mayor)

These include powers to:

  • Choose to appoint the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer*.
  • Hire certain municipal division heads and establish and reorganize divisions*.
  • Create committees of council, assign their functions and appoint the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of committees of council*.
  • Veto certain by-laws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a prescribed provincial priority, such as housing, transit and infrastructure.
  • Bring forward matters for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority.
  • Propose certain municipal by-laws if they are of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority. Council can pass these by-laws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour.
  • Propose the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate mayoral veto and council override process.

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

The Mayor must exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Notice

On May 1, 2025, the Province expanded strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, including the Township of Rideau Lakes. Learn more about the Mayor's special powers and duties assigned by the province. Review mayoral decisions made under the Municipal Act.

The following lists mayoral decisions issued pursuant to Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001.

The Mayor may veto By-Laws that could interfere with provincial priorities. If a veto is exercised, a prescribed notification and override process must be followed, which can delay the By-Law's passage. uada mi elementum elementum. Nec sapien convallis vulputate rhoncus vel dui.

Date

Decision Number

Purpose

Supporting Documents

2026

June 1, 2026

Intent to Consider Vetoing By-Law 2026-59 (Confirmatory By-Law)

February 17, 2026

Veto of 2026 Budget Amendments

January 16, 2026

Written Notice vetoing By-Law By-Law 2026-08 (Confirmatory By-Law) as it relates to Motion 114-2025 (Tendering for Municipal Office Infrastructure project)

January 7, 2026

Intent to Consider Vetoing By-Law 2026-08 (Confirmatory By-Law)

2025

August 18, 2025

Written Notice vetoing Confirmatory By-Law with relation to Motion PW Rec 154-2025 (Office Infrastructure, Public Consultation and Staff Support)

August 6, 2025

Intent to consider vetoing By-Law 2025-106 (Confirmatory By-Law)

August 6, 2025

Dissolution of Municipal Services Committee / Creation of Committee of the Whole

Note: With Change to Procedural By-Law, CoW meetings now take place on 2nd and 4th Monday's

August 1, 2025

Dissolution of Chantry Office Working Group

July 18, 2025

Written Notice vetoing By-Law 2025-94 (Confirmatory By-Law) with relation to Chantry Office Retrofit and Addition

July 8, 2025

Intent to consider vetoing By-Law 2025-94 (Confirmatory By-Law) with relation to Chantry Office Retrofit and Addition

May 26, 2025

Written Notice vetoing By-Law 2025-69 (Confirmatory By-Law)

May 14, 2025

Intent to consider vetoing By-Law 2025-69 (Confirmatory By-Law)

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Address

1439 County Road 8, Delta, ON K0E G0
613‑928‑2251 or 1‑800‑928‑2250
Fax: 613‑928‑3097
Email: info@rideaulakes.ca

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After-Hours Road Emergency

1‑877‑798‑5725

Portland Transfer Station

4427H Old Kingston Road, Portland
1‑800‑928‑2250 ext. 230

Open: Wednesdays & Saturdays
8:00am to 4:00pm