Moved by Councillor Duddeck
Seconded by Councillor Elgar
Whereas Section 223.9 of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes municipalities to establish and maintain a registry to record returns filed by individuals who lobby public office holders;
Whereas Section 223.11 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides for the appointment of a Registrar to manage such a registry independently;
Whereas municipalities including Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, Burlington, Collingwood, Brampton, and Hamilton have implemented lobbyist registries and disclosure frameworks to enhance transparency and public accountability;
Whereas Lobbyist and Gift Registries help document interactions between individuals or organizations seeking to influence municipal decision-making and Members of Council or senior staff, thereby promoting transparency;
Whereas residents have a right to be informed of such interactions and to know who is attempting to influence local decisions;
Whereas transparent and responsible advocacy by stakeholders is a valuable and appropriate part of the democratic process;
Whereas public disclosure of lobbying activities and standards of conduct for lobbyists support the integrity of municipal decision-making;
And whereas transparency, accountability, and public trust are fundamental principles of good governance in the Town of Oakville;
Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Oakville requests staff to develop and report back within 120 days with a proposed policy framework that includes:
- Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
For all Members of Council and senior staff (including the CAO, Commissioners, Directors, and Planning leadership) to disclose meetings or communications with developers, lobbyists, or their representatives regarding:
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- Development applications
- Planning policies or zoning by-law changes
- Infrastructure decisions supporting development
- Official Plan amendments or land-use changes
2. Definition of Lobbyists
Including categories such as paid lobbyists, unpaid or voluntary advocates, and self-representing individuals.
3. Standard Disclosure Process
A uniform disclosure form to be submitted within five (5) business days of any such meeting or communication, including:
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- Date and time
- Names and affiliations of all participants
- Summary of topics discussed
- Method of communication (in-person, phone, email, virtual, etc.)
4. Public Registry
A searchable, publicly accessible online registry hosted on the Town’s website to house all disclosures.
5. Scope of Application
Applies to meetings or communications initiated by either the developer/lobbyist or the municipal official/staff.
6. Monitoring and Compliance
Mechanisms for oversight and compliance, and any necessary updates to the Council Code of Conduct, municipal lobbying policies, or the procedural by-law.
7. Gifts, Hospitality, and Benefits
Proposed amendments to the Member of Council and Staff Codes of Conduct to address disclosure and limits regarding gifts and hospitality.
8. Best Practice Alignment
Consistency with leading practices in Ontario municipalities and principles of open government.
Be it further resolved that staff report back to Council with the proposed policy framework, draft by-law, implementation plan, and any required policy amendments for Council consideration and approval within 120 days.