ROLE OF A MUNICIPAL COUNCILLOR


Have you ever wondered about the role of a municipal councillor or about what the job entails?

Whether you live in a small or large community, the role of the councillor involves continuous learning, weighting different needs and opinions in a fair manner, and making decisions that are in both the short-term and long-term interest of the community. 

Basically, it's exciting, challenging, and important!


The Ontario Municipal Councillor’s Guide describes the three main responsibilities of a councillor:

Represent the Community 
Councillors have to take a “big picture” view and actively consider all sides of an issue before deciding what they think is best for the community at large.
  • It is important that councilors follow policies and procedures for how to relate to                        citizens, municipal staff and fellow councillors or committee members. 

Policy-Making 
Councillors and council review issues that come up and develop ways of solving problems. Council sets the direction for actions by making policies and by-laws to solve problems. Municipal staff do the research that helps councillors make fair and good decisions. 
  • During this decision-making time, councillors will receive input from community members and need to take their ideas into consideration.
  • This whole process takes time. Patience is required. Because these policies and by-laws have long-term consequences for the community, it’s worth taking the time to get it right! 

Taking Care of Business
Councillors have a very important role in overseeing the best use of the township’s finances and other resources.  They review finances and expenditures regularly and make key decisions on spending. 
  • Councillors also have the responsibility to keep tabs on how policies and by-laws are being implemented.  Staff are expected to report to council on progress on initiatives and council can, then, evaluate how things are going and if changes need to be made.  
  • To fulfill their role, councillors can expect to spend several hours per week on committee work - preparation, discussion, catching up on information and being in meetings.


If you accept the challenge of municipal councillor, you will learn a lot and come away with a greater appreciation of what it takes to keep communities healthy and strong!