The Township of South Stormont provides a variety of critical services in our community. We want to make sure that our actions are accountable and transparent. The Township strives to ensure that it is responsible to its residents and stakeholders and accountable for its actions or inactions. The Township encourages resident participation in order to foster an atmosphere of openness in all decision-making.
| Customer Feedback Policy |
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You are welcome to provide comments, requests or complaints. To do so, please complete the Report a Concern Form and staff will address the issue. StaffE-mail: General Inquiries or Contact Us CouncilE-mail and Phone: Please see phone numbers and email addresses on our Mayor and Council Page |
| Code of Conduct |
| The Council Code of Conduct established under By-law No. 2018-050 helps to ensure that members of Council engage and debate using acceptable conduct. These standards should serve to enhance public confidence that the Township's elected representatives conduct Council business in a civil and courteous manner. |
| Integrity Commissioner |
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The Township of South Stormont has appointed Tony Fleming, Cunningham Swan, to act as its Integrity Commissioner. Roles of the Integrity CommissionerThe Integrity Commissioner helps to ensure members of Council maintain a high ethical standard and adhere to the Council Code of Conduct. The Integrity Commissioner performs four basic roles: 1. Keep officials aware of the requirements of the Council Code of Conduct 2. Respond to requests from members of Council, boards or committees for advice regarding their obligations and compliance 3. Conduct inquiries and investigations into alleged contraventions of the Code, make decisions and recommend penalties 4. Report annually to Council on the activities of the office Integrity Commissioner's AuthorityThe Integrity Commissioner has authority over members of Council, members of Local Boards and Citizen Committee members and enforces the Codes of Conduct. The Integrity Commissioner does not have jurisdiction over the rules of procedure; that falls to the Ontario Ombudsman. The Integrity Commissioner also does not have jurisdiction over the conduct of City employees. There are other types of complaints where the Integrity Commissioner does not have authority because they are covered by existing legislation or regulatory mechanisms such as an allegation that may involve a contravention of the Criminal Code of Canada. This is a police matter. |
| Municipal Ombudsman |
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The Municipal Ombudsman investigates concerns about Township services and administrative unfairness. We recommend that you speak to the department responsible for the service if you are unhappy with the quality of service you received. Prior to sending a formal complaint to the Ombudsman, residents shall follow the Township's complaint process. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal complaint process, you may then file a complaint with the Municipal Ombudsman. The Township uses the services of the Ontario Ombudsman. The Ombudsman complaints staff are available 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You may also leave a voice message outside of office hours. Toll-free (inside Ontario only): 1-800-263-1830 Calls with the Ombudsman's Office may be recorded for quality assurance and training purposes and/or to ensure an accurate and exact record. |
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Closed Meeting Investigations |
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The Municipal Act requires that Council conduct its business in an open forum. However, legislation also permits Council to close a meeting or a portion of a meeting to the public under certain circumstances; mainly when related to legal matters, personnel, or property, as discussing these items in public may be detrimental to individuals or the municipal corporation. Prior to closing a meeting or a portion of a meeting to the public, the Council must give notice and provide a general description of the matter it will be discussing in the closed session. Requesting an Investigation of a Closed Meeting Individuals who believe that Council improperly called or held a closed meeting may request that the matter be reviewed by an investigator whose role is to provide external, impartial investigative services to determine compliance with the Municipal Act and to report the results of such investigations to Council. Effective January 1, 2022, the Ontario Ombudsman is the Closed Meeting Investigator for the Township of South Stormont. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Closed Meeting Investigator. All complaints will be treated as confidential and will be handled directly by the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario. To submit a complaint, please contact the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman. Prior to submitting a request for investigation, it is encouraged to discuss any concerns or inquiries with the Township’s Director of Corporate Services/Clerk. Please note that a fee of $125.00 is required to be paid to the Township of South Stormont upon submission of a complaint to the Closed Meeting Investigator. Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario
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