Strong mayors, stronger controversies

More PO moves

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Another 169 cities and towns are joining the strong mayors’ club — and the drama is already percolating.

The Ford government is majorly expanding strong-mayor powers as of May 1. Initially extended to Toronto and Ottawa, then dozens more over the years, those powers will allow more mayors to pass bylaws without the full support of council. They’ll also have more control over the budget and hiring and firing department heads. That’s all in the name of getting housing built. Full list of soon-to-be strong mayors.

“We are providing mayors every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster,” said newly-sworn Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister ROB FLACK. “Mayors know their municipalities best and we support them in taking bold actions for their communities.”

The PCs press release included glowing quotes from ROBIN JONES, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, as well as the mayors of Windsor, DREW DILKENS, and Picker…