Strong Mayors coming to Northumberland

Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland.

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM

Northumberland County

Four Northumberland municipalities now have mayors with Ontario Strong Mayor powers as of May 1

Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland has issued a statement on the occasion of acquiring Ontario Strong Mayor Powers this week.

Along with Cobourg, mayors of three other Northumberland municipalities were on the list of 169 granted such powers – Trent Hills, Brighton and Port Hope – joining the 49 other municipalities previously granted such privilege.

The announcement from the province grants the heads of these councils of six members or more (in Northumberland's case, the mayors) to declare as passed any bylaw with as little as one-third support of council if it relates to priorities defined by the provincial government, such as encouraging approval of new housing and construction and such associated infrastructure as roads and transit.

Other powers and duties include choosing to appoint the municipality's chief administrative officer, hiring certain municipal department heads, proposing the municipal budget, and creating committees of council.

The new rules take effect May 1, meaning April council meetings in these municipalities are the last ones under the current format.

Cleveland's statement said he was “honoured to be given the trust by the province in these extra legislative powers. However, I know they are meant to be used judiciously, and I will consider enacting them only in circumstances that warrant it.

“I am proud of the accomplishments that Cobourg has made in the last two years and remain steadfast to our commitments to this community. This council had worked collaboratively and takes a united approach to break down obstacles that lay in the way of positive progress. Our efforts are recognized through the over $30-million we received in provincial and federal funding in 2025. a testament that this Council is fiscally responsible, making progressive change and already encompassing both provincial and federal priorities with the decisions we are making.

“I am grateful to Premier Ford and the provincial government for this recognition and look forward to continuing the good work we are doing here in Cobourg.”