Procedure By-law Review

TOWN OF INGERSOLL PROCEDURE BY-LAW REVIEW

Every municipality in Ontario is required to have a Procedure By-Law that governs how Council and Committee members can carry out the business of the municipality. The Town of Ingersoll’s current Procedure By-Law (By-Law 18-4979) was created in 2018 and has been amended periodically to address housekeeping or legislative changes. The Town is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive review of the by-law, and we are looking for public input.

Through this review, we are hoping to:

• Improve the meeting experience for all attendees, including the public, delegates and Council Members
• Improve meeting efficiency and increase meeting transparency
• Enhance meeting accessibility and create a more equitable meeting experience for all
• Account for changes in technology

Community Feedback

The Town will be seeking feedback from the public on items including, but not limited to the following:
• Participation in Council and Committee meetings such as delegations, presentations, and electronic participation in meetings;
• Dates, times and locations of meetings;
• Timing for publishing of agendas;
• Any other parts of the By-Law you think can be improved.

Members of the public can submit their feedback prior to the submission deadline of Monday, March 17th, 2025.

TAKE THE SURVEY

What is a Procedure By-Law?
The Procedure By-Law is a set structure that guides processes for Council and Committee meetings. The By-Law outlines how Council members cast their votes, how late Council meetings can run, conduct for Council, how and when residents can speak at meetings and interact with Council, and how public meetings are communicated to the public.

Why is the Procedure By-Law Important?
The Procedure By-Law is important because it:
1. Ensures fairness and consistency in the decision making process;
2. Fosters respectful conduct and collaborative approaches to decision making;
3. Supports an open, accountable, transparent governance process so that the public, Council and staff understand how decisions are made and what to expect at meetings.

Why is the Procedure By-Law being updated?
The Town is updating its current procedure by-law to ensure it best supports the good governance of the municipality and aligns with provincial legislation. It is best practice for municipalities to review their Procedure By-Law every few years.

Results from community engagement will be considered alongside feedback from Council and Staff as well as an analysis of best practices from comparator communities. This will be guided by the expertise of municipal staff with the goals of creating effective and efficient meetings that work for the Town of Ingersoll and providing clarity and ease of participation for the public. Following a review of community feedback, a new Procedure By-Law will be drafted and presented to Council and the community for further review.

Resources
• By-Law 18-4979 – The Town of Ingersoll’s current Procedure By-Law
• Clerks Department Report on Procedure By-Law Review Process (February 10, 2025)

Questions about the Procedure By-Law Review can be sent to:

Clerk’s Department
Town of Ingersoll
Town Centre
130 Oxford Street, 2nd Floor
Ingersoll, ON N5C 2V5
clerks@ingersoll.ca

Town of Ingersoll
130 Oxford Street (2nd Floor), Ingersoll, ON, N5C 2V5, Map this location
Phone: 519-485-0120, Email Us

Procedure By-law Review

Procedure By-law Review

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