1. Manon L. Levesque, City Clerk November 8, 2017
Questions on the Ballot - Wards - Changes to Council Composition - Other
Manon L. Levesque, City Clerk
November 8, 2017

2. Question on the Ballot A question authorized by By-law shall comply with the following rules:
It shall concern a matter within the jurisdiction of the municipality
It shall not concern a matter which has been prescribed by the Minister as a matter of provincial interest
It shall be clear, concise and neutral
It shall be capable of being answered in the affirmative or the negative and the only permitted answers to the question are “yes” or “no”
Notice of Intent
Before passing a By-law, at least 10 days notice of the intention to pass a By-law must be given to the public and the Minister and hold at least one public meeting to consider the matter.
Notice could be included on the Agenda for the Council Meeting of February 12
Notice could be included on the City’s Website on February 9
Notice could be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on February 9

3. By-law
A By-law to submit a question to the electors could be included on the Agenda for the Council Meeting of February 26
Notice of Passing of a By-law
Notice could be included on the City’s Website on March 10
Notice could be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on March 10
Appeal
Within 20 days after the Notice of the Passing of a By-law is given, the Minister of Municipal Affairs or any other person or entity may appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer of the Province of Ontario on the grounds the question does not comply with the requirement of the question being clear, concise and neutral and capable of being answered by a yes or no.
March 30 is the last day to file an appeal of the passing of the By-law
Within 15 days after receiving an appeal, the Clerk shall send the information pertaining to the appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario
Within 60 days the Chief Electoral Officer of Ontario shall hold a hearing regarding the appeal of the By-law

4. Results
The matter moves forward if at least 50% of the eligible electors in the municipality vote on the question.
If the voter turnout is less than 50%, the matter does not move forward.
If the threshold of 50% of eligible electors is met, however, then 50% of the votes cast on the question must be in favour to have the matter move forward.
The results of a question are binding on the municipality
Implementation
ensure the initial steps have been taken to comply with the condition if passage of a By-law or Resolution is required to implement the results of the question is subject to a condition precedent under a regulation or statute (such as giving notice or holding a public hearing)
instruct municipal staff to take that action if administrative action to change a policy or practice is required to implement the results of the question
Wards – See Map
Changes to Council Composition – See Report CL

5. Changes to Council Composition - See Report 2017-068-CL of September 11, 2017 Wards – See Map