Background City Hall

Accountability and Transparency

Policy Statement

The City of Orillia is committed to providing accountable, transparent and open government to its citizens. City Policy 1.13.1.1 outlines the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that it is accountable to the public for its actions, and the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that its actions are transparent to the public (pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended).

Closed Meetings

Generally meetings are held in public, however, there are circumstances which may require that Council receive information or give direction in a closed meeting. These circumstances exist when the subject matter includes any of the following:

  • The security of property of the municipality or local board
  • Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees
  • A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land
  • Labour relations or employee negotiations
  • Litigation or potential litigation
  • Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege
  • A matter authorized by another provincial statute
  • For educating and training where no member discusses or deals with a matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of the Council or local board

A meeting or part of a meeting must be closed to the public if the subject matter is related to a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Steps to take if you have a concern related to a Closed Meeting

  • Contact the City Clerk with your question or concern to see if it can be answered or resolved.
  • If you believe that the meeting was closed to the public in a way that is not permitted by the Municipal Act, 2001 and/or the City's Procedure By-law, you will need to submit a Meeting Investigation Request Form, available from the Clerk's Division.
  • Fill in the form and submit it in a sealed envelope clearly marked "Private and Confidential" and submit to: Office of the City Clerk, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300, Orillia, ON L3V 7T5.

There is no charge for the submission of a Meeting Investigation Request Form.