Petrolia Mayor Returns Several Strong Mayor Powers to Members of Council and Administration
Following the Provincial announcement that several new communities would see Strong Mayor Powers come to their community as of May 1, 2025, Mayor R. Brad Loosley has spent some time reviewing the new role and how he would like to proceed for the balance of his term in Petrolia.
Following an in-depth Council Education Session provided by Integrity Commissioner, John Mascarin, and after reviewing the new powers and guidelines, Mayor R. Brad Loosley has chosen to delegate the following Strong Mayor Powers to both Council and Administration respectively.
These include:
• The Establishment of Committees and Functions to Council
• Organizational Structure and Hire and Dismiss Certain Senior Staff to the CAO
• Delegate Recruitment and Dismissal of CAO to Council
Those powers that Mayor R. Brad Loosley has retained cannot be delegated.
Full details of the Strong Mayor powers as provided by the Province of Ontario can be found here https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-municipal-councillors-guide/10-strong-mayor-powers-and-duties.
“…The biggest takeaway from all of this is that this is a broad, sweeping change for us, and that I strongly felt that a detailed review was important before I made a quick decision. I trust our administrative staff, and I value the input of Council and the role that we all play in the continued betterment of the Town of Petrolia for our residents and visitors.” Said Mayor R. Brad Loosley. He then added that, “I appreciate the time I have spent with staff to review the Strong Mayor powers, and for the opportunity to understand how we can continue to proceed with open and accountable governance in the Town of Petrolia.”
