Through the 19th century Ottawa had been governed by a mayor and city council, but most councillors were only part-time and could spend only a few hours per week on municipal issues.
The member of the board of control who received the most votes was also made deputy mayor, and was the legal successor to the mayor should they resign or die in office.
Mayor Arthur Ellis found this problematic as there was little time for real scrutiny of important issues.
The city council rejected this plan, as it would reduce both their authority and their numbers.
In the 1908 municipal election the question was brought to a referendum, and was approved and the new board was created.