Accountability and Transparency
As of January 1, 2016, the Ontario Ombudsman can take general complaints about the province’s 444 municipalities. This is in addition to complaints about closed municipal meetings, which were added to the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction in 2008.
When considering filing a complaint please note the following:
- The office of the Ombudsman is considered the last resort for individuals who have tried to resolve their concern within the government body; and
- If for any reason, you do not wish to handle your concern by using the internal mechanisms offered or you have questions about the form that is being supplied on this website,
or have general questions about this process once a complaint is filed, the link below can provide additional assistance.
https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/home
Many ingredients of accountability and transparency policy already reside in the Procedural By-law of Council. As well, other provisions in Section 270 of the Act require a municipality to have policies of accountability and transparency for:
- Its sale and disposition of land.
- Its hiring of employees.
- Its procurement of goods and services.
- The circumstances in which the municipality shall provide notice to the public and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and times notice shall be given.
- The delegation of its powers and duties.
These By-laws and Policies referenced above represent the policies for accountability and transparency for the Corporation of the City of Welland. This does not preclude that other by-laws and policies of the City of Welland do not contain provisions for accountability and transparency. It is the responsibility of Council, its committees, and the employees of the City of Welland to adhere to the policy of accountability and transparency and to continually monitor and enhance its stated purpose.
If you require additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s Division 905-735-1700 for more information.