Roles and Remuneration

Roles explained

Role of Council

to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
to determine which services the municipality provides;
to ensure that administrative policies, practices and procedures and controllership policies, practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;
to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality;
to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
to carry out the duties of council under the Municipal Act, 2001 or any other Act

Role of the Head of Council

to act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
to preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;
to provide leadership to the council;
without limiting above clause, to provide information and recommendations to the council with respect to the role of council described in clauses 224 (d) and (d.1);
to represent the municipality at official functions; and
to carry out the duties of the head of council under the Municipal Act, 2001 or any other Act.

Head of Council as Chief Executive Officer

As chief executive officer of a municipality, the head of council shall,

uphold and promote the purposes of the municipality;
promote public involvement in the municipality’s activities;
act as the representative of the municipality both within and outside the municipality, and promote the municipality locally, nationally and internationally; and
participate in and foster activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the municipality and its residents.

Remuneration

Current remuneration rates for elected officials as of January 1, 2021, excluding benefits, are:
Mayor: $134,953
Region of Halton and Town Councillor: $53,964 + $53,618* ( *as at Jan 1/22) respectively
Town of Oakville Councillor: $53,964
Regional Chair: $196,874
School Board Trustees: Honorariums are based on a formula in the Education Act and differ based on the size of the school board. For honorarium amounts please contact the applicable school board.

The above remuneration rates are fully taxable and may be subject to revision prior to December 1, 2022.

Town Councillor benefits/expenses

Extended health care
Prescription drugs
Out-of-country
Paramedical
Vision care
Dental care
Life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
Pension plan for Members of Council under age 70
Communication services allowance to cover the costs associated with telephony, internet and cellular services
Annual Councillor expense allowance for business travel, training/education maximum $3,700 (Discretionary)
Reimbursement plan for use of personal vehicle for out-of-town and in-town eligible business travel for municipal business. Reimbursement for attendance at seminars, workshops and conferences

Enrollment in benefit plan covers: spouse and dependents (children who are unmarried, under age 21, and work less than 30 hours per week; a child who is full-time student attending an educational institution is recognized by Revenue Canada until age 25).

Roles and Remuneration

Roles explained

Role of Council

Role of the Head of Council

Head of Council as Chief Executive Officer

Remuneration

Town Councillor benefits/expenses

Service Area Responsibilities

Town of Oakville Council

Region of Halton Council

Contact