The Ontario government introduced Strong Mayor Powers in 2022, granting certain municipal leaders expanded authority to advance housing and development priorities. These powers allow mayors in designated municipalities to propose budgets, appoint senior staff, and reorganize departments without full council approval, with the intent of speeding up decision-making on housing and growth initiatives.
In Cobourg, those powers are now under discussion.
The Town of Cobourg has scheduled a special council meeting for Monday, August 25 at 6 p.m. to address a recent decision made under strong mayor authority. According to the town’s Legislative Services Division, Mayor Lucas Cleveland issued Mayoral Decision MDEC-2025-008, which amends the organizational structure to create a new Development Division, establish a Director of Development, and add a Deputy Director position.
Council will meet in open session to discuss the decision, with the option of moving into closed session under provisions of the Municipal Act to consider matters involving identifiable individuals or solicitor-client privilege.
The agenda for the meeting has been posted on the town’s website. It will be held in a hybrid format, with members of council and staff able to participate either in person at Council Chambers or virtually.
The public can view the meeting live via the town’s online livestream at cobourg.ca/escribe.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
