The  Clerk is a statutory officer of the Corporation and is assigned various duties by a number of Provincial statutes such as the Municipal Act, the Planning Act, the Municipal Elections Act, the Ontario Heritage Act and the Vital Statistics Act.

The Clerk is a statutory position prescribed by Section 228(1) of the Municipal Act whose duty is:

  • To record, without note or comment, all resolutions, decisions and other proceedings of the council;
  • If required by any member present at a vote, to record the name and vote of every member voting on any matter or question;
  • To keep the originals or copies of all by-laws and of all minutes of the proceedings of the council;
  • To perform the other duties required under the Municipal Act or under any other Act; and
  • To perform such other duties as are assigned by the municipality.

The Office of the Clerk at the Township of Cramahe consists of a Municipal Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and a Technical Records Clerk.  The Municipal Clerk is responsible for Legislative and Council Services.

The primary roles and responsibilities of this department include, but are not limited to:

  • Preparation of Council and Committee agenda packages and supporting documents.
  • Attendance at meetings of Council and Committees requiring the taking of minutes and giving of advice on procedural matters.
  • Communication of Council decisions and directives.
  • Ensuring compliance with Legislation as it relates to Council and Committee processes and access to municipal records (MFIPPA).
  • The implementation and administration of the Open Government Program. 
  • Administration of Marriage and Lottery Licensing for the Township.
  • Conduct and administer the Municipal and School Board Elections.
  • Providing an effective records management system for the Corporation.
  • Maintaining Vital Statistics Registration for the Township.

The Municipal Clerk provides legislative and procedural support services to the Municipal Council and other municipal departments and is responsible for preparing Council agendas, minutes, by-laws, resolutions, etc. (Procedure Bylaw)

 Working with Council and Committees Guide

Commissioner of Oaths

The Clerk can sign documents that need the signature of a Commissioner of Oaths or Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. You will need to bring photo identification, and the document must be signed in the presence of the Clerk or Deputy Clerk. This is a free service to Cramahe residents, but there is a $20 charge to non-residents.  We encourage you to call the Township Office to ensure someone is available to sign your documents before coming in.

The Commissioner of Oaths can sign documents including, but not limited to:

  • Consent to travel with children (travel letters)
  • Proof of residency
  • Vehicle transfer of ownership
  • Pension plans
  • Certify documents as “true copies” (Please call for Clerk availability)
  • Certification of an identifiable individual's signature
  • Government-related forms
  • Township of Cramahe department forms

The Commissioner of Oaths will NOT sign documents related to:

  • Wills
  • Living wills
  • Codicils of wills
  • Powers of attorney
  • Divorce, separation or custody
  • Theft
  • Real Estate
  • Court documents or documents related to court proceedings
  • Documents that require the signature of a Notary Public

Commissioner of Oaths are NOT Notary Publics. You will have to contact a professional lawyer, notary public entitled to practice law in Ontario, or a justice of the peace to sign those documents.

Closed Meeting Information

Top 10 Tips for Municipal Officials

 1. Know and follow the Municipal Act, 2001 and your procedure by-law’s open meeting requirements.

2. Make sure you have a procedure by-law that complies with the Municipal Act – every municipality and local board is required to have one.

3. Give adequate advance public notice of all meetings, including the time and location of all meetings.

4. Keep meetings open to the public unless closure is specifically authorized under the Municipal Act and there is a real need to exclude the public.

5. Pick the right s. 239 exception before closing a meeting.

6. Pass a resolution in public that includes meaningful information about the issue to be considered (not just the exception) – before closing the doors.

7. Record the meeting, including all decisions, by taking minutes, and preferably also by recording audio or video.

8. Stay on topic – don’t stray from the subject stated in the resolution.

9. Do not hold a vote in closed session unless it is for a procedural matter or to give directions to staff or officials.

10. To the extent possible, report back publicly in open session about what occurred in closed session. Accessible PDF of the Ombudsman's "Open Meetings - Guide for Municipalities.  

Delegation Requests

You must submit your request to appear before Council by the completing the Delegation Request Form form before noon on the Wednesday preceding the Committee of the Whole or Council meeting you would like to appear at.

The request is to be directed to the Clerk at the Township Office and may be delivered in person or emailed. If you are placed on the agenda, you will be provided with a time to appear. If your request is received after the deadline or if there are already two deputations scheduled, your request will be placed on the next regular Council agenda.

Council meets generally on every 4th Tuesday of the month, with some exceptions. If you are interested in appearing in person at a Committee of the Whole or Council meeting to present information or an opinion on a matter, you will need to fill out the Delegation Request Form and submit that form back to the Clerk's Department at least 5 days prior to the Council meeting. You will need to ensure that your delegation does not exceed 10 (ten) minutes.

Freedom of Information Requests

About Privacy Legislation

In the municipal sector, the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) is the access to information and privacy legislation. MFIPPA states that an individual has a right to access information kept by a municipality, and that a municipality must protect personal information in its custody.

All information collected by the Township of Cramahe is done in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

The principal purpose(s) for which the personal information is intended to be used is for the distribution of information as subscribed to on this page using the contact information you have provided.

For any questions or concerns regarding the collection of your personal information, please contact the Municipal Clerk.

Please go to Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) website for more information about privacy laws in Ontario.

Everyone has the right to access a record in the custody and control of the Township of Cramahe, unless it falls within one of the exemptions as described in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) provides an individual with the right to access records of information, including their own personal information, under the custody and control of a local government institution (municipality, county, region) with certain limitations in order to protect personal and sensitive information.

You will need to complete the Freedom of Information Request Form and pay the $5 filing fee (per request). Additional fees may apply if a lot of research and photocopying is required. The Municipal Clerk has 30 days to respond to Freedom of Information Requests unless an extension is required, in which case notification is provided to the applicant in writing outlining the reasons.

 

Privacy Complaints

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act outline privacy standards for the collection, use, disclosure, retention and destruction of personal information held by government institutions.

The Township of Cramahe is committed to ensuring the security of personal information in its possession.

Individuals who believe the Township has breached their privacy are encouraged to contact:

Municipal Clerk, Township of Cramahe
1 Toronto Street
Colborne, ON K0K 1S0 

905-355-2821
holly@cramahe.ca

 

Complaints are investigated on a confidential basis.

Individuals also have the right to make a formal complaint to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario regarding a privacy breach (www.ipc.on.ca). When a complaint has been received, the Commissioner will assign a compliance investigator to review the facts of the complaint and determine if the Township has complied with the privacy provisions of the Act.

Closed Meeting Investigation Request

According to Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, any person may request an investigation to determine if a municipality or local board has met the requirements outlined in the Municipal Act or its Procedure By-law regarding a meeting that was closed to the public, in part or in whole.

If you feel that any board or sub-committee of the Township of Cramahe has failed to meet its closed meeting requirements, then you may submit a request for investigation. 

Lottery Licensing

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has delegated the responsibility to issue specific types of lottery licences to municipalities.  This includes bingos, raffles and break open tickets and special occasion gaming events with the following restrictions:

  • bingo events, with prize boards of up to $5,500
  • media bingo events with prizes up to $5,500
  • break open tickets for local organizations
  • raffle lotteries for total prizes of $50,000 and under
  • paper based 50/50 draws
  • bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500

Information on conducting and managing lottery events can be found in the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s Lottery Licensing Policy Manual.  This manual provides an outline of the legal and policy framework and administrative procedures for lottery licensing purposes.  A municipality is permitted to attach additional terms and conditions to a licence, provided that they do not conflict with provincial Terms and Conditions or policies.

All lotteries must be conducted and managed in accordance with licensing policies and the terms and conditions of the licences.  This includes fulfilling all prescribed reporting requirements.

 What is a Lottery? 
In simple terms, a lottery may be defined as any scheme that has the following three components:
  • a prize;
  • a chance (to win the prize); and
  • consideration or a fee. 
Therefore, a lottery exists if money is paid or some other consideration is given for a chance to win a prize.
 Who is eligible for a Lottery License? 
Only eligible charitable and religious organizations may raise funds through lottery events.  The courts have determined that the term “charitable” refers to organizations which provide programs for:
  • the relief of poverty
  • the advancement of education
  • the advancement of religion
  • other charitable purposes beneficial to the community

Each application is unique. Determinations of eligibility will depend on the specific organization and its proposed use of proceeds.  

If you have any questions contact the Lottery Licensing Officer. 
 How is eligibility determined? 
The following pre-requisites are mandatory to be considered eligible for a lottery license:
  • Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licenses.
The organization must have a place of business in Ontario, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and use proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents.
 What is needed to determine eligibility? 
When an organization applies for a lottery licence, the following documents or information are required by the municipality so that eligibility can be reviewed:
  • Incorporation Papers (Letters Patent)
  • Constitution and By-Laws
  • Notification of Charitable Registration (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) (if applicable)
  • The most recent Registered Charity Information Return & Public Information Return, as submitted to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (if applicable)
  • Financial Statement for Previous Fiscal Year (audited, where applicable)
  • Detailed outline of all programs/services provided in the previous year and specific costs incurred in delivery
  • Detailed outline of all programs/service currently provided and specific costs incurred in delivery
  • The current operating budget
  • Current listing of the Board of Directors
  • Any other information that will assist in determining the charitable nature of the objects and purposes. This could include an annual report, correspondence relating to its charitable number for income-tax purposes, and confirmation that it meets the reporting requirements of the Charities Accounting Act 
While an organization may not have all of these documents, applicants are to provide as much of the above list as possible.  Additional documentation may be required. 
 How to apply for a license. 
 

There are different applications and terms and conditions for each lottery license which are included below.  Applicants must comply with the respective Terms and Conditions.

Once the application is complete it is to be submitted to the Clerk’s Department.
 Issued Lottery License requirements. 
When a lottery license is issued, the licensee becomes responsible for the conduct and management of the lottery event.  

The licensed organization must perform the following general administrative functions:

  • Set up and maintain a separate lottery trust account(s)
  • Distribute lottery proceeds by individual cheques and only for the approved purposes;
  • reconcile all receipts and deposit all receipts into the designated lottery trust account;
  • keep all necessary records;
  • prepare the lottery financial report and include relevant bank statements, copies of all cheques (disbursements) and expense receipts.  The report and supporting documentation is to be submitted to the licensing authority within 30 days of the event; and
  • communicating with the licensing authority;
maintain a list of designated members in charge to oversee the conduct and management of the lottery event.
 Use of Lottery proceeds. 
Eligible Uses of Proceeds

 

Eligible uses of proceeds must be:

  • in themselves charitable and advance the charitable objects and purposes of the organization;
  • used for the direct delivery of the charitable objects or purposes of the organization; and
  • directed toward specific segments of the Ontario community or residents of Ontario with a common need.

In addition to using lottery proceeds for the direct delivery of its eligible programs, an organization may also use lottery proceeds to pay some of the administrative expenses of those programs. To be considered an eligible use of lottery proceeds, these expenses must be essential for the direct delivery of the organization’s charitable objects.

 

Examples of INELIGIBLE Uses of Proceeds including, but not limited to:

  • disaster relief provided to communities outside of Ontario;
  • medical supplies for developing countries;
  • foster child programs for children outside of Ontario;
  • environmental projects outside of Ontario; and
  • funding for foreign exchange students
  • professional development or upgrading for nurses, teachers, lawyers, doctors and other professionals;
  • the payment of tuition fees for a volunteer or staff member of the organization to attend a college, university or any other educational institution;
  • membership conferences for service clubs, the Royal Canadian Legion and other veterans’ organizations, and arts and cultural groups; and
  • membership fees for the organization, its volunteers or staff in professional or recreational associations.
  • Travel costs that provides only a private benefit

 

For further information and examples of eligible versus ineligible use of proceeds, visit the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Use of Proceeds website. 

 

Municipal Elections

Municipal elections in Ontario are held every four years. New Term of Office will commence November 15th, 2022.  Details regarding eligibility of electors and candidates and general election information is available from the Municipal Clerk's Office. Results from previous municipal elections are also retained in the Clerk's Office.
Civil Ceremonies/Officiant Services 

The Township of Cramahe offers Civil Marriage Ceremonies performed by the Municipal Clerk or Designate. Services can be held in Council Chambers at 1 Toronto Street, Colborne and are available by appointment only. Other locations may be arranged at the discretion of the Officiant. Certain dates and times may not be available throughout the year, including statutory holidays. For weddings in Council Chambers, alcohol, confetti, bubbles, rice, candles or incense are not permitted. All ceremonies require a pre-wedding consultation prior to the ceremony, usually arranged at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding date.

For consultations, couples must come prepared with the following:

  • A valid marriage license
  • Government issued photo ID
  • Payment for ceremony
  • Names and addresses of two witnesses
  • Any materials to be incorporated into the ceremony

For more information, please connect with the Clerks office clerk@cramahe.ca . Please note that any Civil Marriage Ceremony performed by Marriage Officiants will be a nondenominational and dignified ceremony, which adheres to the requirements of the Marriage Act for the Province of Ontario. The Township of Cramahe has appointed the Clerk and/or Designate to provide officiant services within Ontario.

 

All fees are payable by cash, cheque or debit at the Township of Cramahe.

Onsite Weddings - $200 (plus HST)

Offsite Weddings - $250 (plus HST) plus mileage for Officiant 

Contact(s)