As a Councillor, you have representative, policy-making and stewardship roles to play in your municipality. Often these roles will overlap. You will be called on to consider and make decisions on issues that will sometimes be complex and controversial. Most of those decisions will have long-term consequences for your municipality that extend beyond your four-year term of office, and should be made in the context of your municipality’s directions for the long-term health and welfare of your community.
Time-Commitment
The time commitment can be significant. In addition to one Council and one Committee of the Whole meeting per month, there are often additional public meeting and Special Council meetings scheduled throughout the year. Additionally, all members of Council are appointed to Committees of Council, which often meet monthly. Council members are also expected to attend special events held by the Township and other municipal stakeholders. There may be a considerable time spent talking with and responding to the residents. The amount of time required to prepare for a Council or committee meeting can be several hours per week due to the number of lengthy reports to be read in advance. Council also appoints members to external organizations. If appointed to an external organization, meeting dates, times and locations will vary. The Mayor also sits on Bruce County Council.
Meetings
Currently, Council meetings take place in-person at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month and Committee of the Whole meetings take place virtually at 9:00 a.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Committees of Council meet at various times either in-person or virtually each month.