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Office of the Mayor

Peter Kelley

Peter is passionate about Muskoka, and protecting the natural environment that exists here, with a focus on compliance and by-law enforcement, promotion of community development and improving public engagement with the Township.

In 2018, Peter was elected as a Councillor in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

On October 22, 2022, Peter Kelley was elected as Mayor of the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Strong Mayor Powers, Decisions and Directions under the Municipal Act

On May 1, 2025, the Province of Ontario extended “strong mayor” powers and duties under the Municipal Act, 2001 to select municipalities, including the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Strong mayor powers intend to streamline local governance for municipal leadership offering resources to the head of council to help advance shared municipal-provincial priorities, primarily around housing, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 the Mayor has the following powers and duties as the head of Council:

  • Appointing the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), hiring select municipal department heads, and establishing or reorganizing municipal departments.

  • Creating Council committees, assigning their responsibilities, and appointing committee chairs and vice-chairs.

  • Proposing the annual municipal budget, subject to Council review, amendment, a potential Mayoral veto, and a subsequent Council override process.

  • Vetoing specific bylaws if, in the Mayor’s opinion, they may interfere with a provincial priority.

  • Introducing matters for Council consideration that, in the Mayor’s view, could help advance a provincial priority.

The Mayor may delegate certain powers and duties by issuing a written statement as an official act. However, some powers are non-delegable and may, in some cases must, be exercised directly by the Mayor.

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protections of Privacy Act. A public listing of Mayoral Decisions and Directions is available in the chart below.

Decisions and Directions by the Mayor

Overview of decisions and directions by the Mayor

Date Issued

Decision / Delegation Number

Subject / Written Notices

May 14, 2025

MDE-2025-001

Approval of By-law(s) Passed at the May 14, 2025 Council Meeting

May 21, 2025

MDE-2025-002

Delegation of Power to Council - Appoint/Dismiss Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

May 21, 2025

MDE-2025-003

Delegation of Power to the Chief Administrative Officer - Organizational Structure of the Municipality

May 21, 2025

MDE-2025-004

Delegation of Power to the Chief Administrative Officer - Employment Matters

May 21, 2025

MDE-2025-005

Delegation of Power to Council - Committees

June 23, 2025

MDE-2025-006

Approval of By-law(s) Passed at the June 23, 2025 Council Meeting

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