2025 Governance Review Committee consultation

In 2016, a review of the County’s Delegated Authority By-law and requirement for Policy (By-law 2007-0039) was reviewed. The review was prompted as a result of Bill 8 - Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014 which came into force January 1, 2016. The Bill gave the Ombudsman more oversight over municipalities and led to municipalities setting up local ombudsmen, reviewing their public complaint processes, and appointing integrity commissioners.

The review resulted in the passage of By-law 2016-0006, being a by-law to establish a Delegation of Authority Policy and to authorize the delegation of certain powers and duties under the Municipal Act, 2001, the Planning Act and other Acts. The newly adopted policy added a Schedule B which outlines all delegations of authority that have been approved by Council. Any future delegations require a report to Council and a by-law to amend the new Delegation of Authority Policy and By-law, Schedule B. By incorporating a Schedule B into the Delegation of Authority By-law, it allowed all delegations of authority approved by Council to be contained in one location as prior to this, delegations of authority were in separate by-laws which made tracking and amendments difficult.

The purpose of delegated authority is to allow the County of Frontenac to assign specific powers and duties to staff, allowing them to address the day-to-day operations and routine decisions of the County. This in turn frees up County Council's time to focus on broader strategic issues and policy-making, while still maintaining accountability through set guidelines and limitations.

Staff presented a report along with some draft amendments to the Delegation of Authority By-law for the Committees consideration at its meeting on February 5, 2025. Residents are encouraged to watch the meeting, review the draft by-law and provide comments and suggestions.

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Agenda

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Meeting

The public is also encouraged to view the staff report presented to the Committee which will help the public understand the key changes to the By-law.

Draft updated Delegation of Authority By-law

In 2014, County Council adopted a Land Use Policy. As the owner of lands, it is incumbent upon the County to establish policies to deal with requests from landowners to access public lands in the most efficient manner, while protecting the public interest. The intent of the policy is to provide a decision-making framework for Council, citizens and staff to ensure that the most efficient and least intrusive measure is applied to citizen requests for use of lands owned by the County.

The Policy also identifies the various tools available to grant access over County owned property and at which level the approval lies, ranging from staff to Council. It also notes guidelines and procedures to be taken when granting approvals.

The fees associated with the Policy are based on cost recovery and are contained in the County’s annual User Fee By-law.

Staff presented a report along with some draft amendments to the Land Use Policy for the Committees consideration at its meeting on February 5, 2025. Residents are encouraged to watch the meeting, review the draft policy and provide comments and suggestions.

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Agenda

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Meeting

The public is also encouraged to view the staff report presented to the Committee which will help the public understand the key changes to the Policy.

Draft updated Land Use Policy

The Governance Review Committee has begun preliminary discussions on the adoption of a Sale and Disposition of Land Policy for the County of Frontenac.

The County of Frontenac has been utilizing By-law No. 1995-0017 for its sale of real property. This by-law was passed under the previous Municipal Act, the Planning and Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 1994. At that time, a municipality was required to pass a by-law for the sale of real land mandating three procedures; publicly declaring the land surplus, obtaining an appraisal and giving notice.

The Municipal Act, 2001 was amended in 2007 to require that municipalities adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the sale and other disposition of land. No mandates were prescribed with this amendment.

Staff presented a report and draft By-law for the Committees consideration at its meeting on January 7, 2025. Residents are encourage to watch the meeting, review the draft by-law and provide comments and suggestions.

January 7, 2025 Governance Review Committee Meeting

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Agenda

February 5, 2025 Governance Review Committee Meeting

Old By-law 17-1995

The public is also encouraged to view the staff report presented to the Committee which will help the public understand the key changes to the By-law.

Approved draft Sale and Disposition of Land Policy