Procedural By-law Review

Background

Every municipality in Ontario has a Procedural By-law that governs how Council and Committee members carry out the business of the municipality. Port Hope’s Procedural By-law was created in 2015 and has been amended periodically. However, the By-law needs to be reviewed and we are looking for public input on key issues. Through this review, we hope to:

• Improve the meeting experience for all attendees, including public, delegates and Council Members
• Ensure decision making is efficient
• Reflect the changing demographics within the municipality
• Account for changes in technology

What is a Procedural By-law?

The Procedural 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 residents.

Why is it important?

The Procedural 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 the meetings

Following a review of community feedback, a new Procedural By-law will be drafted and will be presented to Council and the community for further review.