Clerk’s Office

Working closely with elected officials, Town departments, other levels of government and the public, the Clerk’s Office is committed to providing high-quality services in a cost-effective, professional, accessible and open manner.

A Commissioner of Oaths is authorized to take your oath or solemn affirmation when you sign an affidavit or statutory declaration. Statements made are not certified to be true but the oath/affirmation is being administered properly. 

The cost per document for residents is $20 + HST and for non-residents is $25 +HST. There is no fee for proof of life documents for pension purposes.

Individuals requiring this service are encouraged to make an appointment  to ensure a commissioner is available, and to verify that your document can be commissioned. To make an appointment please contact the Clerk's department at 705.429.3844 x 2262

Proof of identity must be presented in the form of valid government issued ID such as a Driver's License.

Please see our Commissioner of Oath and Affidavit Policy.

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) governs access to information from the Town.  Its two main purposes are to provide the right of access to information held by institutions covered by the Act (subject to limited and specific exemptions), and to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to their personal information. 

Most of the time, a formal request for information is not required as many records are available online or by contacting the department responsible for the records.  

If a formal request is required, please complete the access request form and forward the completed form along with the mandatory $5.00 application fee to:

Freedom of Information Office
30 Lewis Street
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A1

Mayoral Powers

Effective May 1, 2025, the Province announced that Strong Mayor Powers will be extended to an additional 169 municipalities, including the Town of Wasaga Beach.  These changes are being put in place to help deliver on provincial priorities, providing resources to heads of council to accelerate the implementation of key shared municipal-provincial priorities such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure across Ontario.

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001. These include powers to:

  • appoint and dismiss senior managers (either by the Mayor or their delegate)
  • create committees of council, assign their functions, and appoint their chairs and vice-chairs (either by the Mayor or their delegate)
  • propose the city’s budget (subject to council amendments, a Mayoral veto, and a council override process)
  • submit matters for council's consideration if the Mayor believes it supports a provincial priority
  • veto bylaws if the Mayor believes it supports a provincial priority
  • direct city staff in writing

The Mayor must exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Return of Licensed Dog at Large

Date Decision # Direction # Subject
May 13th, 2025 MDE-2025-01   To delegate certain employment-related matters and organizational structure
May 13th, 2025 MDE-2025-02   To delegate certain Chief Administrative Officer and Committee Matters
June 2nd, 2025   MDI-2025-01 Regarding 2026 Town Budget
September 19, 2025 MDE-2025-03   Decision to Shorten Veto Period – 2026 Mayor’s Budget

 

Integrity Commissioner

Serving in elected office is a privilege that comes with important responsibilities. Council members are expected to be well-informed about municipal governance and to carry out their duties fairly, transparently, and professionally.

The Council Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for the behaviour of Council, Local Board, and Committee members. It provides general standards and works alongside all relevant statutes, by-laws, and policies.

The Town’s Integrity Commissioner—an independent accountability officer under the Ontario Municipal Act—administers and enforces the Code.

A written Code of Conduct helps to ensure that the members of Council share a common basis of acceptable conduct. These standards are designed to supplement the legislative parameters within which the members must operate. These standards are intended to enhance public confidence that the Town of Wasaga Beach elected officials operate from a basis of integrity, justice and courtesy. The Town of Wasaga Beach's Code of Conduct is a general standard that augments the provincial laws and municipal policies and by-laws that govern the members' conduct.

Wasaga's Code of Conduct regulates a wide range of conduct by elected and appointed officials, such as:

  • improper receipt of gifts and benefits;
  • misuse and improper securing of confidential information;
  • inappropriate use of Town property, services and other resources, including using Town facilities for campaign purposes;
  • allowing employment prospects to influence the way in which a Councillor performs her or his role;
  • avoidance of waste;
  • business relations;
  • misbehaviour at Council meetings;
  • mistreatment of staff;
  • improper use of influence;
  • discreditable behaviour towards other Councillors, staff and members of the public; and,
  • failing to follow Council policies.

 

The role of the Integrity Commissioner to:

  • Conduct investigations in response to complaints received for an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct;
  • Provide information to members as to their obligations under the Code of Conduct;
  • Provide advice to individual members regarding specific situations as they relate to the Code;
  • Provide advice to members on other policies and procedures relating to the ethical behaviour of members;
  • Provide information to the Public regarding the Code and the obligations of members under the Code;
  • Provide an annual report to Council on the activities of the Integrity Commissioner.

The Integrity Commissioner shall have the following responsibilities:

  • Provide information to Council as to their obligations under the Code;
  • Provide advice to individual members regarding specific situations as they relate to the application of the Code;
  • Provide advice to Council on other policies and procedures that relate to the ethical behaviour of members;
  • Provide general advice on conflict of interest issues noting that this advice may not be used in defense of allegations related to conflict of interest;
  • Provide information to the public regarding the Code and the obligations of members under the Code; and
  • Provide an annual report to Council on the activities of the Integrity Commissioner.

Members of the public, staff, an authorized individual representing an organization, Members of Council, or Council itself may file a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner.

Complaints may be filed by completing and submitting the complaint form with the Integrity Commissioner either by e-mailing a copy to integrity@adr.ca or by mailing it to ADR Chambers Inc., 180 Duncan Mill Road, 4th Floor Toronto ON, M3B 1Z6.

Arrangements may also be made with the Town Clerk to file the complaint on a confidential basis.

The Integrity Commissioner will first determine whether the complaint is within the Integrity Commissioner’s jurisdiction,  is clear and complete, and is within the public interest to pursue. 

This may involve preliminary interviews with the complainant to clarify the essence of the complaint.  

The Integrity Commissioner will also assess whether there is an opportunity to resolve matters without the need for a formal investigation.

If a formal investigation is undertaken, the Integrity Commissioner will provide a copy of the complaint to the Member of Council alleged to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, and the Member will have the opportunity to respond.  

If necessary, the Integrity Commissioner may conduct interviews with additional people. 

At the conclusion of the investigation the findings of the Integrity Commissioner will be reported to the complainant and the affected Member. 

If there is a finding that the Code of Conduct has been breached, the Integrity Commissioner will also report to Council and will make recommendations on what if any sanctions should be imposed.

Closed Meeting Investigations

The Town of Wasaga Beach and its boards, committees, and commissions may periodically hold meetings that are closed to the public. If members of the public have concerns about a closed meeting, they may ask for an investigation to make certain that Council, board, committee, or commission is following the rules set out in the Municipal Act.

The Town is committed to addressing concerns in a fair, transparent, and timely manner. Full cooperation is provided to the Ontario Ombudsman and other relevant parties during any investigation.

In accordance with the Municipal Act, any reports received from the Municipal Closed Meeting Investigator must be made publicly accessible.

Reports related to investigations under the Act will be included on a public agenda and considered during an open session of Council or a Standing Committee of Council.

This procedure applies to all appointed boards and sub-committees within the municipality.

 

Any individual may request that an investigation be undertaken to determine whether a municipality or local board has complied with the Municipal Act or its Procedure Bylaw in respect of a meeting or part of a meeting that was closed to the public, as stated in Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

To request a closed meeting investigation for the Township of Ramara, contact the Ontario Ombudsman at 1-800-263-1830 or by email.

Past closed meeting investigation reports may be reviewed from previous years.

 

2025

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