Sometimes, councils, local boards, and their committees need private meetings. These are called "closed meetings," which happen when they need to discuss sensitive issues. For example, if the city is getting sued, buying land, or dealing with employee matters, it might need to meet privately. The reason for closed meetings is to receive information or give directions.
Authority to have a closed meeting
Before a closed meeting begins, the council, board, or committee must pass a resolution at a public meeting. This resolution should clearly state that a closed meeting will occur and briefly describe the topics to discuss. The meeting cannot proceed until this resolution is passed.
Reasons for closed meetings
Closed meetings can only be held for specific reasons, including:
- Security of municipal or local board property
- Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees
- Proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land
- Labour relations or employee negotiations
- Ongoing or potential litigation
- Advice covered by solicitor-client privilege
- Matters authorized by another provincial statute
- Educational or training sessions, provided no member discusses or advances the business or decision-making of the council or local board
Request an investigation
Anyone can request an investigation to ensure that the rules for closed meetings were followed. Requests must be submitted in writing to the City Clerk.
Step 1: Submit your written request to the City Clerk.
If you have any questions about closed meeting rules, please contact the City Clerk:
City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6X5
Phone: 905-356-7521, Ext. 4271
Fax: 905-356-9083
[email protected]
Step 2: If you are unsatisfied with the Clerks’ explanation, contact the Ombudsman directly.
The Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario is the official investigator. You can reach them by:
Telephone
Staff are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voicemail is available outside of office hours.
Toll-free (inside Ontario only): 1-800-263-1830
Outside Ontario: 416-586-3300
TTY (teletypewriter): 1-866-411-4211
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 416-586-3485
Mail
Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario
Bell Trinity Square
483 Bay Street, 10th Floor, South Tower
Toronto, ON M5G 2C9
Rules for closed meetings
Local governments in Ontario must be transparent and accountable. To ensure this, the Province created strict rules under Section 239 of the Municipal Act.
Our City Council has also adopted a Corporate Policy on Accountability & Transparency.
