Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has broadened her powers following the declaration of emergency due to novel coronavirus.

Crombie declared an emergency in the city on March 23, a move that, under provincial law, allows a mayor to act decisively on matters that would typically require council approval.

Once declared, a mayor can “take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants” of the city, according to Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

While she has the power to do so, Crombie said acting without consulting city council, is not her approach.