About the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct for Elected Officials sets out the standards of behaviour expected of the Mayor and City Councillors while carrying out their duties. It applies to all council members and ensures that decisions are made in the public interest, with fairness, transparency and respect.
The Code is established under Code of Conduct By-law 2023-045.
Who it covers
The Code applies to:
- The Mayor
- All City Councillors (wards 1 through 6)
It does not apply to City employees, contractors or members of the public. Those groups are covered by separate workplace and service policies.
Key expectations
Council members are expected to follow these core principles:
- Respect and civility: Treat all residents, staff, fellow council members and visitors with courtesy and professionalism, even during heated debates.
- Conflict of interest: Disclose any personal, financial or professional interest in a matter before council. If a conflict exists, the member must leave the room during discussion and voting.
- Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information shared in closed sessions or in private communications with residents and staff.
- Gifts and hospitality: Accept only nominal gifts or modest hospitality that do not create a sense of obligation. All accepted gifts over a set value must be disclosed publicly each quarter.
For more details on managing conflicts of interest or handling gifts, see the Conflict of interest policy and the Council gifts and hospitality policy.
How complaints are handled
If you believe a council member has breached the Code of Conduct, you can submit a formal complaint. The complaint process is designed to be fair, transparent and respectful of privacy.
Who can be complained about
Complaints can only be filed against the Mayor or a City Councillor. They cannot be filed against City staff or contractors.
How to submit a complaint
All complaints must be submitted using the online form. Complaints sent by email or regular mail will not be processed. You will need to provide your name, contact information and a clear description of the alleged breach.
What happens next
- The complaint is reviewed to ensure it falls under the Code and the Integrity Commissioner's jurisdiction.
- If accepted, a preliminary assessment is conducted.
- The matter may be resolved informally, referred to a formal investigation, or closed if it does not meet the threshold for a breach.
Both you and the council member you made the complaint about will be notified in writing at each stage. The process is confidential until a formal finding is made, in line with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Where to find the full by-law and disclosures
You can view the complete Code of Conduct By-law 2023-045 and read the quarterly gift and hospitality disclosure forms for the Mayor and all councillors on the Council policies and bylaws page.
Need help or have questions?
If you need assistance filing a complaint or want to learn more about the Code, contact the City Clerk's office.
City Clerk's Office
Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1
Phone: 519-555-0100
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.