Municipal Departments

The role of Council under the Municipal Act, Section 225, is to

• Represent the public and consider the welfare and interests of the municipality;
• To develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
• Determine the services provided by the municipality;
• Ensuring accountability and transparency in the operations of the municipality, including the activities of its senior management;
• Maintaining the financial integrity of the municipality;
• Performing the functions of council under this or any other Act. 2001, c. 25, s. 224; 2006, c. 32, Sched.

The Chief Administrative Officer oversees all municipal activities.

• He provides for the general management and control of the affairs of the municipality to ensure its effective and efficient operation;
• To perform such other duties as may be assigned by the municipality. He ensures that the municipality's planning strategy is updated and implemented, provides direction and guidance.

Clerk  shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of Council. The Clerk shall inform and advise Council members and staff on laws and regulations and shall prepare draft by-laws, legal documents and public notices as required by law. He/she ensures that all legal procedures are followed in the administration of the Municipality.

The Treasurer and his/her team are responsible for:

• Preparing the annual operating and capital budgets
• Preparing the financial statements
• Collecting tax, water and sewer revenues
• Paying bills
• Analyze operating and capital project costs
• Manage loans, short- and long-term investments, municipal debt and financial capacity of the corporation

The Public Works Department is responsible for many municipal facilities. The priority is public safety on the road network which covers over 235 square kilometers, sidewalks, shoulders, bridges, culverts and ditches. The department's winter maintenance program includes salting and sanding, snow plowing and snow removal. All road maintenance programs meet provincial standards. A second major responsibility is for the sanitary and storm sewer systems. The department maintains and repairs these systems.

Public Works staff maintain and repair other municipal facilities such as parks, playgrounds, docks, municipal buildings, street lighting, and parking lots.

The Planning Department is mandated to ensure compliance with the requirements, principles, policies and provisions set out in the Township's Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law.

The Construction Department ensures that construction or renovation projects meet the standards of the Ontario Building Code. Enforcement of these standards is necessary to ensure the health and welfare of the public. All building permit applications are subject to approval by the Building Department and the Planning Department. In order to avoid or minimize the negative impact on neighbouring properties, the use, size and location of the construction project must comply with the zoning by-law.

Council passes by-laws and the By-law Enforcement Officer is responsible for their enforcement. The By-law Officer responds to complaints regarding noise, property maintenance, animal control, etc.

The mission of the Fire Department is to save lives, protect property and the environment of citizens through prevention, public education, community involvement and interventions that contribute directly to the safety, conservation and sustainable development of the community.

It deploys the necessary efforts to protect the population against fires and rescue operations. In addition, they also respond to calls related to road accidents, those involving hazardous materials and medical calls. Their role is to prevent, educate, advise, regulate and intervene to ensure the safety of citizens.

The Municipality of East Hawkesbury's Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the design, management, operation and maintenance of municipal recreational facilities. Our public parks and recreation facilities enhance the quality of life for residents. The Parks and Recreation Department also organizes recreational programs and some community events. We also work in collaboration with community groups to facilitate the development and practice of various recreational activities in East Hawkesbury.

The library provides a selection of services and resources to assist you in your research or to meet your educational, cultural or leisure needs.

The Emergency Management Department operates under the regulations prescribed by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act of Ontario. The department has developed an emergency management program that includes an emergency plan, procedures for dealing with an emergency and a public awareness program. In the event of a municipal emergency, it coordinates the activities of the Community Control Group. For more information, please see our Emergency plan section.