It's one of 21 more municipalities on Premier's list
Another Niagara community will be given strong mayor powers.
During a speech at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario today, Premier Doug Ford announced 21 more municipalities will be given strong mayor powers, including Welland.
The powers were given to municipalities projected to have populations of at least 50,000 by 2031.
"With these new measures, we’re supporting municipalities and giving them the tools they need to build more homes faster to tackle the affordability crisis that’s pricing too many people, especially young families and newcomers, out of the dream of home ownership," said Ford. "We have two choices: We can sit back and ignore the crisis, or we can build more homes. Our government is choosing to build homes."
The new powers will take effect on October 31st.
The powers allow mayors to introduce and pass housing related bylaws with the support of one third of councillors.
Mayors can also override council approval of certain bylaws and prepare their city's budget.
Strong mayor powers have already been granted in two other Niagara municipalities - St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
Ford also announced the Building Faster Fund, which will provide $400 million a year for three years to communities on track to meet provincial housing targets by 2031.
Municipalities that get 80 percent of their goal each year will become eligible for funding, based on their share of the province's housing goals.
The province is looking to create 1.5 million new homes by 2031.
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