Municipal Government 101: What Does Council Actually Do?

Election campaigns are full of promises. But before you decide who should represent you, it’s important to understand what municipal Council is actually responsible for under Ontario law.

The Municipal Act, 2001 says that Council’s role is to:

• Represent the public and consider the well-being of the municipality.
  
• Set policies and strategic priorities.
  
• Approve budgets and determine municipal services.
  
• Pass by-laws.
  
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and sound financial management.

The mayor also has responsibilities under the Municipal Act. In municipalities like ours, the Province has granted the mayor additional Strong Mayor Powers, which include certain executive authorities. Even so, those powers exist within provincial legislation - they don’t replace it.

The Planning Act is another important piece of legislation. It governs how planning decisions are made in Ontario, including official plans, zoning by-laws, subdivisions, and development applications. Council has an important decision-making role, but those decisions must follow the legal framework established by the Province.

No mayor or council can simply ignore provincial legislation or make decisions outside the authority granted by law.

Municipal government works best when elected officials understand both the opportunities and the limits of their role. Good governance isn’t about promising everything - it’s about making informed decisions, respecting the law, and working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about how municipal government works so voters can make informed choices this election.