Serving on Council is an important public responsibility. Council members are elected to represent the community as a whole and to make decisions in the best interest of the municipality.

• Sets Policy and Direction – Passes bylaws and policies, establishes long-term goals, and approves municipal plans.
• Approves the Budget – Sets the annual operating and capital budgets and the municipal tax rate.
• Makes Decisions as a Group – Decisions are made by resolution at public Council meetings.
• Provides Governance Oversight – Hires and evaluates the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and ensures policies are followed.
• Represents the Community – acts in the best interest of the municipality as a whole.

• Does Not Manage Staff – Councillors do not direct municipal employees. All staff report to the CAO.
• Does Not Make Decisions Individually – Authority rests with Council as a whole.
• Does Not Handle Day-to-Day Operations – Operational matters are handled by Administration.
• Cannot Override Provincial or Federal Law – Municipalities operate within provincial legislation.
• Cannot Promise Individual Outcomes – Decisions must follow policy, legislation, and budget constraints

Fiction: “A councillor can fix my issue directly.”
Fact: Councillors bring issues forward, but decisions are made collectively.

Fiction: “Council runs the Town office.”
Fact: Council sets direction. Administration manages operations.

Fiction: “If elected, I can make changes immediately.”
Fact: Change requires policy review, majority vote, and often budget approval.

Fiction: “Council members are involved in hiring and firing staff.”
Fact: Council hires and evaluates the CAO only. The CAO manages staff.

Council members must act in the best interest of the entire municipality, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality when required, and follow The Municipalities Act and other applicable legislation

Council members are expected to attend regular Council meetings, review meeting materials in advance, participate in committee meetings (if appointed), and attend community events as representatives.