Ontario is moving ahead and expanding so-called Strong Mayor powers to 26 large and fast-growing municipalities.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark says the move will mean more houses will be built.

Among other things, Strong Mayor powers include allowing mayors to push through housing-related by-laws with the support of only one-third of councillors.

Mayors can also prepare a city’s budget, instead of council, and can hire and fire department heads.

The powers were granted to Toronto and Ottawa last fall, and the province had said it was intending to expand to other cities.

The heads of the 26 cities – most if not all around the GTHA, such as Hamilton, Mississauga, Ajax, and Whitby, are set to get the new powers as of July 1st.