The Township of Wellington North is committed to conducting business in an open, transparent and accountable manner, and have embedded these principles within our various policies, practices and procedures. We make every effort to provide you and the community with as much information as possible. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact the appropriate department or the Clerk’s office, or call 519-848-3620 ext 4227.
Municipal Act
Section 270 of the Municipal Act provides that municipalities must develop and maintain various policies regarding the accountability and transparency of municipal government and its operations. The following have been adopted by Council and are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance:
- Accountability and Transparency Policy (PDF) [PDF/154KB]
- Closed Meeting Investigation Policy (PDF) [PDF/445KB]
- Council Local Board Advisory Committee Code of Conduct (PDF)
- Council staff relations policy (PDF) [PDF/279KB]
- Delegation of Authority By-law (PDF)
- Provision of Notice Policy (PDF)
- Purchasing and Procurement Policy (PDF) [PDF/410KB]
- Routine and Active Disclosure of Information Policy (PDF)
- Sale and Disposition of Land Policy (PDF) [PDF/86KB]
Procedural By-law
A Procedural By-law (PDF) [PDF/264KB] was adopted by Council to establish the rules of order for Council and Committee meetings. The rules ensure a fair and consistent approach with respect to the consideration of municipal business. The Procedural By-law also establishes standards in relation to notice provisions, agendas and minutes, resolutions and voting, Council-Committee structure and membership appointments.
The following Boards and Committees have their own Procedural By-laws under which they operate:
The Township of Wellington North's Council Code of Conduct Policy [PDF/222KB] establishes a shared foundation for ethical behavior, accountability, and respectful governance. It outlines clear expectations for confidentiality, responsible use of Township resources, and transparent decision-making, ensuring that all members act in the public interest and uphold the integrity of municipal service.
Integrity Commissioner
The Integrity Commissioner supports the Township's ethical framework by providing advice and education on the Code of Conduct and related policies, procedures, protocols and rules relating to the ethical conduct of Members of Council. The Integrity Commissioner also provides advice and education on matters related to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
The Integrity Commissioner for the Township of Wellington North is:
Principles Integrity
30 Haddon Street, Toronto, ON M5M 3M9
Attention: Jeffrey A. Abrams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski
Phone: 647-259-8697
Email: postoffice@principlesintegrity.orgWhere it is in the public interest to do so, the Integrity Commissioner will conduct inquiries in response to a complaint regarding whether a Member has contravened the Code of Conduct, Town policies, procedures, protocols and rules relating to their ethical conduct, or section 5, 5.1, or 5.2 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Complaint Procedure
Members of the public are encouraged to voice concerns directly with the relevant Councillor, if comfortable doing so. If direct contact is not preferred or the response is unsatisfactory, a formal complaint may be lodged through the Integrity Commissioner. Requests may be made by Council, a member of Council, or a member of the public regarding whether a member of Council has contravened the Code of Conduct.
The Ontario Ombudsman serves as the Township of Wellington North's Municipal Closed Meeting Investigator and is authorized to conduct investigations upon receiving a complaint regarding meetings, or portions of meetings, that are closed to the public. The purpose of these investigations is to determine compliance with the Municipal Act or the Township’s procedure by-law and to report on the findings.
Please see their website on how to file a complaint.
The Township of Wellington North is committed to ensuring that any request for an investigation under Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, is handled in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. The Township fully cooperates with the Ontario Ombudsman, the appointed Municipal Closed Meeting Investigator, by providing all requested information—whether written or through interviews—to support the investigation process. Any report received from the Ombudsman related to such investigations will be included on a public agenda and considered in an open session of Council or a Standing Committee of Council. This policy applies to all appointed Boards and Sub-Committees of the Township.
For more information
For more information about the Council Code of Conduct Policy or accountability and transparency measures, contact the Clerk’s Department, or call 519.848.3620 Ext. 4227