The City of Stratford has officially launched a legal challenge against provincial legislation that grants expanded powers to mayors. On May 7, 2026, the city filed an application at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, asking for a declaration that the laws are unconstitutional.
The challenge focuses on the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act 2022 and the Better Municipal Governance Act 2022. Stratford officials argue that these laws, which were extended to the city on May 1, 2025, violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Specifically, the city contends the legislation removes effective representation by ending majority rule in council decisions. Under the current rules, mayors can pass bylaws with support from only one-third of the council, and hold authority to propose municipal budgets, veto decisions that clash with provincial priorities, and hire or fire key municipal department heads.
Councillor Mark Hunter, a primary advocate for the challenge, stated that the legislation is inconsistent with the constitution because it removes majority rule from local council meetings. Mayor Martin Ritsma said the city’s goal is to send a message that it values and intends to defend democratic processes. While the city agrees with the province’s objective to increase housing construction, it rejects the idea that these expanded mayoral powers are necessary or helpful to reach that goal.
In response, the provincial government maintains that these tools are intended to help municipalities cut red tape and accelerate infrastructure development. Acting press secretary Michael Minzak stated that the province believes mayors understand their communities best and that the measures help keep Ontario building. The province declined to comment on the specific legal action taken by Stratford.
A preliminary hearing is set for July 2026, with a full hearing to follow in November 2026. Because the final hearing will occur after the October 26, 2026 municipal election, the legal outcome may impact the next group of elected officials. Other municipalities, including Newmarket, New Tecumseth, Norfolk County, and Haldimand County, have previously rejected these powers outright.
