How Does Municipal Government Work? |
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There are currently 444 municipalities in the Province of Ontario that have a broad range of governing powers and responsibilities under legislation.
The purpose of this special edition of our e-newsletter is to provide information and education to residents about municipal government in Ontario.
With the upcoming 2022 Municipal Election, which takes place on Monday, October 24th, we want to ensure voters have all the resources they need to make an informed decision about who will represent them as their Council for the next term (2022-2026).
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The Township of South-West Oxford Council is made up of one Mayor (elected Township-wide) and one Councillor for each of our six Wards.
The role of Council is decided by legislation - the Municipal Act - which states that it is Council's responsibility to:
- Represent the public, and to consider the well-being/interests of the municipality;
- Develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
- Determine which services the municipality provides;
- Ensure that administrative and controllership policies, practices, and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of Council;
- Ensure the transparency and accountability of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of senior management;
- Maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
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Carry out the duties of Council under the Municipal Act and any other Act.
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CAO and Staff
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The CAO and staff implement Council's decisions and establish administrative practices/procedures. The CAO is the only employee of Council.
- Some members of staff have statutory obligations - duties they must carry out as decided by law - including the Clerk, Treasurer, Chief Building Official, and Fire Chief.
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Councillors
- A Councillor plays several roles including acting as representative, policymaker, and steward for the municipality.
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Head of Council
- The Mayor, as Head of Council, acts as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the municipality and provides leadership.
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Council
- Council represents the public and considers both the current and future well-being and interests of the municipality when making decisions.
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School Board Trustees are members of the School Board. They are locally-elected representatives of the public and are advocates for public education. The role of a School Board Trustee is to establish policy direction, and participate in making decisions that benefit the entire school board while representing the interests of constituents.
Trustees are accountable to constituents, the Ministry of Education, and families.
There are 4 School Board Trustees eligible to be elected in the 2022 Municipal Election:
- Thames Valley District School Board (2);
- London District Catholic School Board (1); and
- Conseil scolaire catholique Providence (1) for the Counties of Oxford, Perth, and Grey.
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Time Commitment as a Council Member |
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The Township of South-West Oxford Council meets on the first Tuesday (at 9:00 a.m.) and third Tuesday (at 7:00 p.m.) of each month. In the months of July and August, Council only meets on one Tuesday. This equates to 22 Council meetings every year, which last an average of 1-3 hours per meeting.
Special Council Meetings may be called if there is an issue that cannot wait until the next regularly scheduled meeting. Every member of Council is required to attend all meetings.
Preparation for each Council meeting requires a considerable amount of time to review the reports, emails, and correspondence that make up the agenda package. Members need to read and understand the material, and ask questions or get clarification on the issues, so they can speak to the matters during the Council meeting.
The Township uses a paperless records management system, and provides members of Council with an iPad to allow them to receive agenda packages for review digitally. Agendas are sent out electronically via email and are published through Agenda Notes (an app provided by iCompass Technologies Inc.)
Approved Council agendas and minutes are posted on the Township website for public access and transparency.
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The Township establishes rates to be paid to the members of Council, through a By-Law, for remuneration as well as to compensate them for any expenses incurred. Rates established for 2023 are as follows:
- Mayor - $22,500;
- Ward Councillors - $15,000 each;
- Mileage - $0.61/km (based on the Canada Revenue agency); and
- $40/day for meals while attending conferences or training.
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Council Representation on Local Boards and Committees |
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Township of South-West Oxford Council members are also appointed as local representatives on various Committees. These Committees include:
- Engage and Inform Committee;
- Environment and Energy Innovation Committee;
- SWOX Housing Opportunities Committee;
- SWOX Zero Waste Committee;
- SWOX Broadband Implementation Committee;
- Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation Board;
- Beachville Historical Society Museum Board;
- Long Point Region Conservation Authority;
- Catfish Creek Conservation Authority;
- Beachville Parks and Recreation Committee;
- Brownsville Community Centre Committee;
- West Oxford Hall Board (Foldens);
- Hilltop Park Committee;
- Mount Elgin Hall Board;
- Salford Community Centre Committee; and
- Sweaburg Parks and Recreation Committee.
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Council members are required to attend the Committee meetings for which they are appointed, and participate in the planning and execution of Committee initiatives and events. Each member of Council is typically appointed to at least 3 committees.
The commitment to these committees will vary depending on the nature of the committee. Normally, each committee meets once per month and the meetings range between 1-2 hours long. Committee members are required to review agenda packages in advance of the meeting. Committee of Council appointments are reviewed at the beginning of each new term of Council.
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Township Services at a Glance |
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Public Works Department
- Maintains the Township road network year round;
- Performs maintenance activities including clearing snow from roadways and sidewalks, road surface repairs and maintenance, asphalt and concrete repairs, rural road resurfacing, and grading of gravel roads and shoulders.
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Building Department
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An administrative division of the Township that enforces the Ontario Building Code Act and regulations.
- Responsible for reviewing and issuing building permits which grant legal permission for property owners to begin construction of a new structure, addition/renovation, or demolition.
- Oversees maintenance of Township facilities.
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Fire and Emergency Services
- Operates a volunteer Fire Department which consists of 3 stations: Brownsville, Mount Elgin, and Beachville.
- Responsible for firefighting and all forms of rescue including handling hazardous materials; public education/outreach; and safety inspections.
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Finance Department
- The primary responsibility is to manage the Township's financial resources in an accountable and fiscally-trustworthy manner.
- Maintains Township financial records.
- Responsible for leading annual budget development and tax collection.
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Clerk's Department
- Responsible to Council for the efficient and effective administration of the Township.
- Provides legislative assistance to Council, as well as a variety of other duties as provided by provincial legislation.
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Some current issues that SWOX Council are considering include:
- Education and the promotion of energy efficiencies;
- Funding for economic development iniatives;
- Community and park improvements;
- Community engagement;
- Affordable housing/development;
- Volunteer firefighter recruitment;
- Rural broadband/fibre servicing; and
- Public events/volunteer appreciation.
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Are You Interested in Running as a Candidate? |
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You are eligible to run as a Candidate for Mayor, Councillor, or School Board Trustee if you meet the following requirements:
- Lives in the Township of South-West Oxford, is an owner or tenant of land in the Township, or is a spouse of an owner or tenant;
- Is a Canadian citizen;
- Is at least 18 years old as of Voting Day; and
- Is not legally prohibited from voting or by any other legislation.
The Nomination Period opened on Monday, May 2nd and the deadline to file is Nomination Day, Friday, August 19th at 2:00 p.m. Please note that Candidates running for Mayor or Councillor must submit the signatures of 25 eligible electors to endorse their nomination.
Nomination Papers are available online and at the Township Office. We have provided a SWOX Candidate Guide with all the information you need to determine whether you want to run for municipal office.
Please contact the Clerk's Department at 519-485-0477 ext. 7023 or via email to schedule an appointment to file your nomination. |
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Our SWOX Elections Website is the best source for election-related information for voters, candidates, and Third Party Advertisers. Any inquiries can be made to the Clerk at 519-485-0477 ext. 7023 or via email. We will also provide updates on our Township website and social media.
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Township of South-West Oxford
Phone: 519-485-0477
Toll Free Phone: 519-877-2702
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