Closed Meetings

While most meetings are held in public, there are some circumstances where Council may need to meet in closed session. A meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered is:

The security of municipal or local board property
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
Matters authorized by another provincial statute
Education or training sessions, provided no member discusses or deals with matters in a way that materially advances Council or local board business or decision-making

Additionally, a meeting (or part of a meeting) must be closed to the public if the subject matter involves a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act.

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

If you have a concern regarding a closed session meeting:

Contact the City Clerk by email at councilservices@orillia.ca or call 705-325-1311 with your question or concern to see if it can be answered or resolved.
Complete a Meeting Investigation Request Form if you believe a meeting was improperly closed to the public, as set out in the Municipal Act, 2001 and/or the City's Procedure By-law.
Submit the Meeting Investigation Request Form in a sealed envelope clearly marked "Private and Confidential" to the attention of the Office of the City Clerk, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5.

City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5
Phone: 705-325-1311
Email us