Hamilton's mayor formally used her strong mayor powers at council Wednesday and got the votes needed to advance a housing development in downtown Stoney Creek.
A decision to reject 67 affordable units, at the expense of a portion of a public parking area, will stand after council opted not to put the matter on the floor for debate.
Several tents have been set up in protest of the failed motion at last week's general issues committee to have affordable housing built on two city owned parking lots.