Principles Of Good Governance
Toronto City Council is the main governing and legislative body of the City of Toronto. Council is composed of the Mayor and 44 Councillors who make decisions on behalf of their constituents. Issues are identified by the public, through research, as follow-up to existing programs, services or policies or as part of the everyday work of running a city and achieving Council's priorities.
City staff prepare reports for the Executive Committee, one of the seven Standing Committees of Council or a Community Council. If the majority of committee members approve a report, it then goes to City Council. When Council deals with an item it can approve, refer, defer, receive, or amend. All approved items are confirmed by by-law. The Toronto Public Service is responsible for implementing the by-laws.
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Community Councils
There are also four Community Councils, each representing a geographic area of the city. Their responsibilities include making recommendations and decisions on local planning and development, as well as neighbourhood matters including traffic plans and parking regulations. Community Councils reports to City Council but they also have final decision-making power on certain items, such as sign and fence by-law exemptions and appointments to local boards and Business Improvement Areas.
City Of Toronto - Committees
Executive Committee
Monitors and makes recommendations on Council's strategic policy and priorities, governance policy and structure, financial planning and budgeting, fiscal policy including revenue and tax policies, intergovernmental and international relations, Council and its operations, and human resources and labour relations.
Several committees report mainly to Executive.
| Committee |
Focus |
| Affordable Housing |
Affordable housing policies, acquiring land for affordable housing, providing funding and financing, development fee and charge waivers and property tax reductions or waivers for affordable housing projects. Proposes legislation and advocates to the provincial and federal governments. In charge of strategic planning for Toronto Community Housing, and measuring the effectiveness of Affordable Housing Office projects. |
| Budget Committee |
Includes, but is not limited to, coordinating the preparation of the capital and operating estimates, and making recommendations on the capital and operating budgets. |
| Employee and Labour Relations |
Reviews corporate human resource policy issues related to achieving and maintaining excellence in the public service and issues that affect the workforce. Responsibilities include compensation, performance management, training and development, recruitment, retention, retirement, labour relations, human rights, equity goals, wellness, and health and safety strategic policy direction on collective bargaining. |
Standing Policy committees
| Committee |
Focus |
| Community Development & Recreation |
Social inclusion and undertaking work to strengthen services to communities and neighbourhoods. |
| Economic Development |
Monitors and makes recommendations to strengthen Toronto's economy and investment climate. |
| Government Management |
Government assets and resources; monitors and makes recommendations on the administrative operations of the City. |
| Licensing & Standards |
Consumer safety and protection; monitors and makes recommendations on the licensing of business and the enforcement of property standards. |
| Parks & Environment |
Monitors, makes recommendations and undertakes work to ensure the sustainability of Toronto's natural environment. |
| Planning & Growth Management |
Urban form and work related to good city planning; monitors and makes recommendations on the planning, growth and development of the City. |
| Public Works & Infrastructure |
Delivers and maintains Toronto's infrastructure; monitors and makes recommendations on Toronto's infrastructure needs and services. |
Committees of Council
| Committee |
Focus |
| Audit |
Considers and recommends to Council the appointment of external auditors for the City and the Auditor General's office; the annual external audits of the financial statements of the City, its agencies and the Auditor General's office; the Auditor General's reports, audit plan and accomplishments. |
| Board of Health |
Ensures that Toronto Public Health delivers programs and services in response to local needs; determines and sets public health policy and advises City Council on a broad range of health issues; recommendations with city-wide or financial implications are forwarded to City Council for final approval. |
| Civic Appointments |
Considers and recommends to Council the names of citizens to appoint to agencies. |
| Striking |
Recommends councillor appointments to fill the positions of the boards outlined above, as well many other boards, agencies and advisory committees; makes recommendations to Council on the meeting schedule for Council and Council Committees. |
Find out more - get involved
For additional information on any Council Committee, special committees or task forces contact the City Clerk's Office at 416-392-8016.
311 Toronto
311 Toronto is the public information and referral service for the City of Toronto. This service operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
This guide is prepared for information purposes only. Reference should always be made to the relevant legislation and regulations.
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