Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky is taking aim at the province's Strong Mayor powers.
She tabled a motion to repeal the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act.
"Strong Mayor powers don't make our cities stronger. They make them less democratic," said Gretzky. "These powers reduce city councils to little more than advisory bodies, silencing diverse voices of elected representatives who reflect the realities and needs of our neighbourhoods."
Windsor was granted strong mayor powers in the summer of 2023. The province expanded eligibility to another 169 municipalities in March, including all seven in Essex County.
The legislation, aimed at removing barriers to home construction, allows mayors to set the budget, hire and fire city staff, and veto council decisions if they conflict with provincial priorities.
Windsor's Mayor has called the legislation a powerful tool, but in April, most city councillors voted in favour of a motion to have the city removed from the bill.
It's also unpopular with other Essex County mayors, who have called the legislation undemocratic. Others across the province have passed motions to reject the powers or call on the Progressive Conservative government to repeal the bill.
"Ontarians are proud of our local democracy," said Gretzky. "We elect councillors to represent us, not to be overridden by a single mayor acting without majority support. If we truly want to fix the housing crisis and build better infrastructure, we must invest in local capacity and empower communities, not silence them."