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Council has a number of committees to support its work. Committees exist to obtain public input and give advice to Council based on each committee's mandate. Council must make the final decision on all issues that affect the City.
There are three standing committees, one advisory committee, one statutory committee, three ad hoc committees and one quasi-judicial committee. Volunteers represent the public on committees, and positions are advertised when there are Committee vacancies.
Community Services Committee
This is a standing committee. Its mandate is to:
Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and actions on policy, programs, and initiatives related to Community Services;
Implement and support the work of Council in achieving the vision, goals, and objectives of the City's Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Recreation, Parks and Facilities Master Plan, Asset Management Plan, and other plans relating to Community Services;
Review, provide feedback, and participate in City policy development in the areas relating to Community Services;
Engage, support, and work collaboratively with partners;
Review and provide feedback annually on work (business) plans; and
Monitor performance in the area of implementation of work plans.
Community Development, Tourism and Culture Advisory Committee
This is an advisory committee. Its mandate is to:
Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and actions on programs and initiatives related to community development, tourism and culture;
Implement and support the work of Council in achieving the vision, goals and objectives of the City’s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, and Cultural Master Plan;
Review, provide feedback and participate in City policy development in the areas of community development, tourism and culture;
Engage, support and work collaboratively with partners in the area of community development, tourism and culture with local stakeholders including, but not limited to, the Downtown Improvement Area, County of Grey, Chamber of Commerce, school boards, Bruce Community Futures, etc.;
Build new and leverage existing partnerships for product development; and
Review and provide feedback annually on work plans presented by Community Development Division staff, identifying clear and measurable objectives, supported by the City’s operating or capital budget.
Advise Council on an annual basis regarding the preparation, implementation, and effectiveness of its accessibility plan.
Provide advice on the accessibility for persons with disabilities to a building, structure, or premises:
Purchased, constructed, or renovated by the City of Owen Sound,
To be considered new lease, and
Provided as a municipal capital facility under an agreement in accordance with the Municipal Act.
Review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described under Section 41 of the Planning Act (site plan control for development) that the Committee selects.
Support the implementation of related initiatives and actions within the City’s Strategic Plan.
Perform any other functions required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act or its regulations.
Address public issues and concerns regarding degrees of accessibility.
Review in a timely manner:
Plans of subdivision under Section 50 of the Planning Act,
Development proposals having an impact on broader neighbourhood design, and
Land use policy having accessibility implications.
As representatives from the arts community and the community at large, the Advisory Committee acts as public oversight of the Gallery operations. The Committee provides feedback from the community to Council about the Gallery’s exhibitions, collection, educational activities and outreach. As Gallery ambassadors, the Committee informs the community about the Gallery’s activities and events.