Key Municipal Roles

At every municipality there are elected roles and appointed or hired staff positions. Whether someone pursues an elected position on a municipal council or a career working with Ontario’s municipalities, they are helping to support thriving Ontario communities.

Councils make decisions on behalf of the municipality by setting the budget, approving strategic plans, setting policies and procedures, and establishing programs and services. Municipal staff advise council and implement their decisions by implementing the policies and programs.

This page is a brief overview of the different roles in municipalities, with some individual role descriptions and some descriptions of entire departments where there are a wide variety of positions that contribute to service delivery.

Council Roles

The Head of Council acts as the leader of the municipality. Depending on the type of municipality they are called Mayor, Reeve, Warden, or Regional Chair. They preside over council meetings, represent the municipality at official events, and complete any other duties outlined in legislation.

Councillors are responsible for making decisions about municipal finances and services while considering the interests of residents and businesses. Councils must follow laws that apply to their decisions including the Municipal Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, Building Code Act, Planning Act, and others.

Staff Leadership

City Managers or Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) act as the liaison between council and all other municipal staff. The CAO may oversee public and employee communications and media relations that promote a municipality’s policies, priorities, and programs. Most municipalities have a CAO, though it is not a required role.

Clerks handle all legislative matters including preparing council meeting agendas and recording decisions and proceedings of council. They also facilitate municipal and school board elections and act as an information source for council, staff, and the public. Clerks are required in all municipalities, and can lead or be a part of a larger department of legislative or corporate affairs.

Treasurers handle the financial affairs of the municipality on behalf of the council including managing the budget, accounts, debts, and investments, and reporting finances. They advise the council on financial matters while maintaining a long-term perspective. Treasurers are required in all municipalities, and can lead or be part of a larger department of finance and administration.

Staff Roles

By-Law Enforcement Officials administer and enforce licences and standards in areas including businesses, property standards, events, animal services, noise, parking, and graffiti.

Chief Building Officials oversee enforcement of the Building Code Act within municipalities. This includes issuing permits for construction, renovation, change of use, or demolition of buildings. This role is required in all municipalities.

Early Childhood Educators plan and deliver care programs to promote the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of children.

Economic Development Professionals foster business, employment, investment, and tourism opportunities in their communities, and promote cultural events.

Emergency Management Coordinators co-ordinate and implement emergency management programs so the municipality can respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

Firefighters respond to fire alarms and other emergencies, controlling and putting out fires, and provide fire safety education to the public.

Human Resources Staff are responsible for employee recruitment, training, and development, and administer compensation and benefits programs. They promote a positive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, employee well-being, and leadership to the community.

Librarians connect community members with the information, sources, and educational materials owned by municipal libraries.

Nurses provide comprehensive healthcare to patients in public health clinics or long-term care homes, including clinical assessment, care planning, and evaluation of patients’ progress. They work with physicians and other health care professionals, following local public health guidelines.

Paramedics respond to emergency calls, provide emergency medical care, and transport patients to hospitals or other medical facilities. Paramedics also educate the public on health and safety issues.

Parks and Recreation Staff manage and maintain local parks, playing fields, recreation centres, ice rinks, pools, and more. They work to expand and adapt these services to meet the needs of a growing population to ensure vibrant, active, and engaged communities.

Personal Support Workers provide personal care to any person who requires assistance with activities of daily living, in their place of residence such as long-term care homes or supportive housing.

Planners manage overall future plans for the physical and social environments of municipalities. They conduct research, statistical analysis, and public needs assessments to develop reports and recommendations for council. This includes determining how areas of land are used by residents, businesses, and nature, and which municipal services will be provided in those areas.

Police Officers respond to emergency calls, patrol public areas, regulate traffic, and control crowds. They maintain public safety, enforce laws and regulations, and investigate and report on crime.

Public Heath Departments ensure healthy living conditions in their communities, preventing illnesses and injuries. They educate communities on risks of disease, set safety standards for schools and workplaces, and promote science-based solutions to problems. This includes vaccinations, school nutrition programs, and restaurant inspections.

Public Works Departments (Infrastructure and Waste Management) maintain municipal infrastructure and deliver waste management services. This includes managing waste facilities. roads, sidewalks, and networks of electricity, sewers, and transportation. These areas of work are important considerations in environmental sustainability plans.

Social Services Departments provide supports to residents such as finding employment or employment training, accessing financial benefits through Ontario Works, and making connections to healthcare, housing, and child care. Roles can include client services staff, employment officers, and program support staff.

Transit Departments plan, maintain, and operate transit vehicles to transport passengers around municipalities. They ensure safety of passengers, collect fares, and report delays and mechanical problems. Transit departments coordinate their operations with neighbouring municipalities, and may have internal governance structures.

Water and Wastewater Departments maintain and distribute clean drinking water and supply, as well as collect and treat wastewater and stormwater. These departments coordinate with other areas of municipal operations, including neighbouring municipalities.

Ontario Municipalities