On September 8, 2022, the Ontario government passed Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022 that provides mayors in municipalities prescribed by the Minister with new executive powers within their respective municipalities. 

The Town of Bancroft received notice on April 9^th, 2025, that these powers would be extended to the Mayor of the Town of Bancroft effective May 1^st, 2025.

Heads of council in strong mayor municipalities can:

• Choose to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
• Hier certain municipal department heads and establish and re-organize departments.
• Create committees of council, assign their functions and appoint the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of committees of Council.
• Propose the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate mayoral veto and council override process.
• Veto certain by-laws if they are of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority, such as housing, transit and infrastructure.
• Bring forward matters for council consideration if they are of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
• Propose certain municipal by-laws if they are of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority. Council can pass these by-laws if more than one-third of council members vote in favour.

For the public registry of Mayoral Decisions for the Town of Bancroft, please click here https://bancroft.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/137702/

Attend Council Meetings:

Municipal Council meetings are open to the public. This provides an opportunity for you to hear the debate on municipal issues and know the Council’s decisions. Formal agendas are prepared for each Council meeting; agendas include opportunity for citizens to present their views directly to Council as Delegations. 

Speak as a Delegation: 

Delegations to Council meetings are required to register with the Clerk by 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday before the meeting so that adequate time is scheduled to hear the delegations and the meeting proceeds smoothly. 

Attend Public Meetings: 

Municipal Councils are required to hold public meetings to obtain public input for matters that have a significant impact on citizens and property owners in the municipality (eg. annual municipal budget, planning issues).

At a public meeting, Council will typically present the proposal that is being considered. Citizens can then share their views about the proposal and ask questions of Council.

Know when to Participate 

The Town of Bancroft's Procedural By-law establishes rules for how meetings will take place. This ensures that municipal business is undertaken in a transparent manner and citizens know how they can participate.  The Procedural By-law also establishes rules of conduct for the meeting.  Rules of conduct apply to Council members and citizens.

Rules Outlined in the Procedural By-Law: 

• When citizens may register as a delegation
• Time limits for speaking by Council members and Citizens
• Citizen conduct at the meeting
• Consequences for improper conduct by Council members and Citizens

Participating Effectively: 

• Learn the issues that are important in your community and understand the particular decision being made by Council
• Know the date and time of the meeting
• Register in advance if you intend to speak as a delegation
• Bring copies of written materials
• Keep your presentation within the time allowed
• Remain polite and civil. Members of the public can be asked to leave meetings if their conduct is not respectful
• Respect the views of others. There are often several perspectives on an issue. Council must make decisions that are in the best interest of the whole community.