Mayor and Council

The political decision-making structure in the Township is a multi-faceted process that involves input from a number of sources, including:

• citizens through a variety of forums, including public meetings, public hearings, open houses, delegations, and petitions;
• a variety of Council-appointed advisory committees;
• a variety of public and private groups and organizations;
• other levels of government;
• staff reports, presentations, and studies.

Council then must synthesize and analyze this information to determine the needs and expectations of the community.

While Mayor and Council are responsible for policy-making, municipal staff are responsible for translating policy into action and delivering various municipal services such as arts, culture, and community initiatives, community development, engineering, parks and recreation, protective services, and public works.

Council powers

Council is the governing body of the municipal corporation and the custodian of its powers, both legislative and administrative. It is a continuing body, notwithstanding changes in membership through the election process every four years. Council is responsible for establishing policy directions, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programs, and authorizing the revenue collection and expenditures required to fund the Township's operations.

The Local Government Act, and the Community Charter state that Council can only exercise the powers of the corporation in the proper form, either by bylaw or resolution passed at a regular or special meeting when a quorum is present.

It is important to remember that individual members of council cannot make a valid and binding commitment on behalf of Council.

Powers and duties of the Mayor

The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the municipality. In addition to the powers and duties inherent in being a member of Council, the Mayor:

• sees that the law for the improvement and good government of the municipality is carried out;
• communicates information to Council and recommends bylaws, resolutions, and measures which, in his/her opinion, may assist the peace, order, and good government of the municipality in relation to the powers conferred on the Council by any Act;
• establishes standing committees for matters he/she considers would be better regulated and managed by means of committee, and appoints members of Council to the committees, but the proceedings of a committee are subject to the approval of Council unless executive or administrative powers have been delegated by bylaw. The Mayor also acts as chairperson at Council meetings, and is the principle representative of Council.