Role - City of Ottawa Councillor

The City councillor is the essential democratic link between the citizens of Ottawa and their local government. Councillors are responsible as voting members of Council to represent and balance the interests of their constituencies with the long term and immediate needs of the broader community of the City of Ottawa.

Representation of ward interests, citizens, issues

  • Meet with ward residents; gain familiarity with local issues/concerns about existing and proposed City services directions and changes.
  • Attend community association meetings and keep up-to-date with ward issues, needs and concerns.
  • Communicate with and consult local communities regarding proposed changes in City programs, services or other related issues.
  • Communicate Council decisions concerning services/programs/issues to ward residents, either through attendance at meetings, preparation of newsletters or other communication vehicles.
  • Provide assistance, direction and information to ward residents on access or use of City services.
  • Obtain the assistance of City staff in resolving and addressing unique or particular issues or concerns raised by ward residents.

Policy and City Program/services direction and approval

  • Chair/attend public consultation meetings to explain and obtain feedback on service proposals and directions affecting City of Ottawa citizens.
  • Review and analyze meeting agendas, staff studies and proposals on a wide range of programs and issues ranging from infrastructure development/maintenance, social assistance, emergency and protective services (police, fire, ambulance), recreation and city planning and development.
  • Develop positions and motions to influence the direction of policy/programs/services; determine level of support amongst citizens and colleagues, refine proposals and present and justify these at Committees of Council and Council meetings.
  • Participate as a voting member of Council in setting broad planning and service directions for the current and future needs of the City of Ottawa by reviewing and ultimately voting on the Official Plan, Visions and Directions and on the expenditure of funds for studies/assessments to evaluate the need for certain programs, projects and initiatives.
  • Participate as a voting member of Council in setting City budget and determining service fees and tax levels as well as service/program levels to balance the provision of services to City of Ottawa citizens with the maintenance of acceptable fee/taxation levels to pay for programs/services.

Representation on Committees of Council/Boards

  • Chair/serve as member of City Committees of Council/Boards (e.g. Library Board, Police Services Board).
  • Review, evaluate staff proposals, studies and recommendations concerning City services/programs.
  • Integrate local/ward concerns/issues with overall citywide service/program needs and influence the direction of services to meet the needs of the majority of citizens.

Other Representation

  • Represent and promote the City of Ottawa at provincial, national and international events.
  • Represent the City of Ottawa on various associations such as AMO, MPAC etc. and other gathering of municipal officials.
  • Participate in the representation of the City of Ottawa at meetings with Provincial and Federal officials to influence and seek changes to programs, legislation, policies and plans, which impact their ward and/or the City of Ottawa residents.

Management of Council office staff and budget

  • Hire, direct and evaluate the work of Office Assistants
  • Manage office budget, approve expenditures related to duties of Councillors office
  • Determine the need for acquisition of services to assist with duties of Councillors office

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