The city uses a first-past-the-post system to elect all positions.

Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years on the fourth Monday in October.

Prior to the election, the province of Ontario passed the Strong Mayors Act, which granted the office of mayor additional powers including the development of the budget, creating council committees, appointing the chairs and vice chairs of those committees, the power to reorganize departments, appointing department heads, and appointing the city manager.

The mayor was also granted the power to veto council decisions which do not align with priorities set by the province.

[1][2] On November 16, 2022, the province proposed further changes the powers of the mayor, introducing a bill which would allow by-laws to be passed with only one-third of council voting in favour if the mayor declared it to be in line with provincial priorities.