Toronto and other Ontario cities begin the new year with more power as the City of Toronto Act and the Municipal Statute Amendment Act were proclaimed into force Monday.

The City of Toronto can now, without requesting provincial permission:

• Raise new taxes.
• Control demolition of rental housing.
• Add traffic calming such as speed bumps without a provincial environmental assessment.
• Search premises for evidence of a bylaw contravention.
• Establish holiday store closings.
• Pass a variety of other bylaws.

Other municipalities will not get such broad powers, but will still gain the ability to bypass the province to enact bylaws regarding many municipal concerns. They include business licensing, financial management of the municipality, health and safety, animals, and structures such as fences and signs.