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How Mayor Dilkens has used strong mayor powers

The City has posted 94 written mayoral decisions since the powers took effect July 1, 2023. Key ones, from the City's own records.

By Kyle L. Stewart | Published | Windsor, Ontario

The City of Windsor has posted 94 written mayoral decisions from July 1, 2023, when strong mayor powers took effect, through Aug. 6, 2026. Ontario ties the powers to its goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

Nov. 15, 2023 (MD 11-2023 and MD 12-2023): dismissed the commissioners of Infrastructure Services and of Legal and Legislative Services, and amended the City's organizational structure. Media reports confirm the dismissed engineer sued seeking about $1.55 million. The claims were not proven in court, and the City settled in 2025 on confidential terms.

Feb. 6, 2025 (MD 06-2025): vetoed council's amendment keeping the Tunnel Bus in the 2025 budget. It is his only veto. It stood after a Feb. 21 council vote.

Feb. 27, 2025 (MD 12-2025): appointed Ray Mensour chief administrative officer, effective May 1, 2025.

Oct. 23, 2025 (MD 23-2025): directed staff to prepare a 2026 budget with a 0% tax levy increase. Council approved it unanimously Jan. 26, 2026, with no veto (MD 03-2026).

Mar. 3, 2026 (MD 04-2026): asked staff for development-charge relief options for purpose-built rental projects. That was deferred Apr. 24 pending a federal-provincial program (MD 05-2026).

Sources

  1. City of Windsor: Mayoral Decisions pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001
  2. MD 11-2023
  3. MD 12-2023
  4. MD 06-2025 (Tunnel Bus veto)
  5. MD 12-2025 (CAO appointment)
  6. MD 23-2025 (0% levy direction)
  7. MD 03-2026 (2026 budget, no veto)
  8. MD 04-2026 (development-charge relief options)
  9. MD 05-2026 (deferral)
  10. City of Windsor: 2025 budget finalized
  11. City of Windsor: 2026 approved budget
  12. Ontario Municipal Councillor's Guide, section 10: strong mayor powers and duties
  13. Windsor Star: lawsuit settlement
  14. CBC Windsor: lawsuit settlement

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