Closed Meetings

Sometimes, Town Councils, boards or committees hold meetings that are closed to the public. These "Closed Meetings" allow members to receive information or provide direction on matters specified by Ontario's Municipal Act, 2001. The rules around these meetings are in place to make sure all local governments in Ontario remain transparent and accountable.

Closed Meetings are held when the following topics are discussed:

• The security of the municipality or local Board;
• Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees;
• A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land;
• Labour relations or employee negotiations;
• Litigation or potential litigation;
• Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege;
• A matter authorized by another provincial statute;
• A request under the municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• Education and training with no member discussing or dealing with matters that advance the business decision-making of the Council or local Board;

In Ontario, under the Municipal Act, municipalities are required to appoint an investigator to receive and review complaints about closed meetings. The closed meeting investigator for the Town of Saugeen Shores is the Ontario Ombudsman.

You can make a complaint about a Closed Meeting on the Ontario Ombudsman's website.