Due the COVID-19 Pandemic, all Committee and Board meetings are being held electronically until further notice. Please check the meeting calendar for details.

Are you looking to give back to your community by volunteering your expertise, time, and talents as a member of one of the Advisory Committees for the Municipality of Port Hope? On this page you will find advertisements for vacancies on our Committees and Boards as well as information about the application process. You can also learn about the mandate and purpose of each Committee and Board. 

Committee By-law

On February 16, 2021, Council passed By-law 05/2021, being a By-law to Define the Mandate and Meeting Procedures for Local Boards and Committees.

The Municipality is now seeking applications for appointments to advisory committees. If you wish to play a key role in the Municipality of Port Hope's future and would like to have your name considered for appointment to any of the advisory committees outlined below, please submit the required Local Board and Committee application form.

Qualifications for an appointment

Here is a list of the qualifications that you must meet in order to volunteer on a board or committee. 

  1. Must be a ratepayer or resident of the Municipality;
  2.  Minimum 18 years of age, unless specified as a youth member which is age 13 to 17
  3. Not an employee of the Municipality;
  4. Unless otherwise defined appointments will be for staggered terms

Boards and Committees requiring representatives

Here is a list of the boards and committees that currently require representatives. For a full description of the committees and related duties, please visit the respective tab below.

  • Audit Committee
  • Climate Change Working Group
  • Environmental Advisory Committee
  • Heritage Incentive Advisory Committee
  • Heritage Port Hope Advisory Committee
  • Waterfront and Riverwalk Working Group

Why volunteer?

The Municipality greatly benefits from the expertise and professionalism of public members of committees and boards. Public members are volunteers who participate in meetings and provide advice to Council. Volunteering is a great way for residents to get involved and make a difference.

Group discussion pointing at window with small notes

Volunteer in your Community

Volunteer positions for openings on Committees, Boards and Working Groups are available throughout the year. Members are chosen through an application and interview process and then passed by By-law at Council. 

Fill out a Local Board and Committee application form 

Accessibility Advisory Committee

Acting Chair: Selena Forsyth
Staff Lead: Amy Gilmer, Asset Management/GIS Coordinator and Emily Morris, Seniors Program Coordinator
Council Representative: Councillor John Bickle 

Purpose

As an Advisory Committee, the goal is to advise Council on matters that will enhance the ability of people with disabilities to have equal access to opportunities within the municipality. This authority is in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Mandate

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to encourage and facilitate accessibility on behalf of all persons with disabilities by promoting public awareness and sensitivity; encouraging co-operation among all service and interest groups to ensure an inclusive community for all persons; identifying and documenting relevant issues and concerns; improving access to housing, transportation, education, recreation, and employment; improving communication among all levels of government and service agencies to make recommendations regarding policy, procedure and legislation; to educate and champion needs that arise based on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005); and recognizing that the needs of all persons, including persons with disabilities, are constantly changing.

Audit Committee

Chair: Gord Walters
Staff Lead: David Baxter, Director of Finance 
Council Representatives: Councillor Laurie Carr and Councillor J. Lees 

Purpose

The Audit Committee provides a focal point for communication between Council, the external auditor and management and facilitates an impartial, objective and independent review of management practices.

Mandate

The Audit Committee is responsible for providing advice and recommendations, where necessary, to Council related to the oversight of the administrative systems regarding financial accounting, reporting, internal controls, safeguarding of corporate assets, compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements and the effective and efficient use of resources. 

Climate Change Working Group 

Chair: Bob Biffin
Staff Leads: Kevin Narraway, Marketing and Tourism Manager and Jamie McKelvie, Development Technologist
Council Representative: Councillor Vicki Mink

Purpose 

The Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) is a citizen advisory group established by and responsible to Council.  The CCWG will provide recommendations to Council on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies within the Municipality of Port Hope.

Mandate

The Climate Change Working Group will be responsible for providing advice and recommendations to support the completion of the Climate Action Plan in collaboration with the Environmental Officer as funded through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Climate Innovation Program and completion of the four-step plan for climate change mitigation with McMaster University School of Engineering as approved by Council Resolution 86/2019.

The Working Group is currently conducting a community survey to gather local information and insights about climate change in Port Hope and the surrounding area. Your input will help inform the Climate Change Working Group's recommendations to Municipal Council on a new Action Plan for Port Hope.

Take the survey 

Civic Awards Advisory Committee
Chair: Keri-Lee Kroeger
Staff Lead: Jeannie Maidens 
Council Representative: Councillor Wendy Meadows 

Purpose

To provide advice to Council relative to the award and administration of the Civic Awards Program and to provide recommendations to Council on the selected nominees to be awarded a Civic Award in accordance with the Civic Awards Program Criteria. 

The Committee serves in an advisory capacity to Council on the nominations and administration of the Civic Awards Program with delegated authority under Staff to develop and host the Awards Ceremony as well as selection of inscribed awards. 

Mandate

The Civic Awards Program celebrates nominees worthy of recognition for exceptional contributions and/or achievements bringing honour and/or enrichment to the Municipality of Port Hope. The mandate of the Committee is as follows:

Promotion & Nomination 

  • To encourage and reward achievements and volunteerism within the Municipality;
  • Increase awareness about the Civic Awards program and recipient contributions and achievements while promoting and soliciting nominees for civic recognition;
  • To ensure nominations and award selection is completed in a fair and consistent manner; in order to help preserve the integrity of the Civic Awards Program over the long term;
  • To collaborate with Municipal staff and Council to host a successful program, annually;
  • Comply with Municipal branding requirements and review annually as it relates specifically to the function of the Civic Awards program

Administration of the Civic Awards Program

  • Collaborate and assist municipal staff in the planning and execution of the annual Civic Awards Program and ceremony; 
  • Managing tracking of each year’s award recipients and their nominations to prevent duplication of awards;
  • Ensure that each recipient receives a duly inscribed award;
  • Ensure that the Outstanding Citizen and Outstanding Youth award recipients’ names are displayed for public viewing in Town Hall;
  • Create and alter, from time to time, a nomination form that is readily available to the public;
  • Submit budget requests through the Local Boards and Committees Budget submission for the Civic Awards Night event that reflects the event’s operating and capital needs, in keeping with budget directions and timelines; 
  • Administer the council approved communication plan funded through the Civic Awards Annual Budget Allocation.

To evaluate the Municipality’s recognition program once each Council term, including available input from Civic Awards Advisory Committee volunteers who have contributed over the previous four (4) years. To review and recommend award categories and criteria for Council’s consideration and required amendments to the Civic Awards Nomination Criteria Policy

Committee of Adjustment

Chair: Marilyn Curson
Staff Lead: Mandy Kort, Administrative Assistant, Community Development
Council Rep: Deputy Mayor Les Andrews

Purpose

The Committee of Adjustment is a Legislated Committee established in accordance with Section 44 of the Planning Act. The Committee is responsible for making decisions on consent applications, minor variance applications, enlargement of existing non-conforming uses, and other technical matters set out by the provisions of the Planning Act.

Mandate

The Committee of Adjustment hears applications and makes decisions on minor variances, alterations to legal non-conforming uses and consents/severances as well as consents for leases, rights-of-way or easements which extend beyond 21 years and to partially mortgage or partially discharge a mortgage on a parcel of land in accordance with provisions set out in the Planning Act, Municipality of Port Hope Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law.

 

1.1 The powers of the Committee of Adjustment are:

As set out in Section 45 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 as amended, together with any supplementary powers contained in the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, or any amendment thereto.

The power to give consents under s. 53 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990 or any amendment thereto, provided, and only so long as, the authority to give such consents is delegated to the Council for the Municipality of Port Hope.

 

1.2 The Committee of Adjustment shall function in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, having regard to pertinent by-laws of the Municipality, and the Secretary-Treasurer shall file all documents as required by Section 44(10) of the said Act, and all minutes and records of all applications pursuant to Section 53 and the decisions thereon, in the office of the Municipal Clerk of the Municipality of Port Hope.

Environmental Advisory Committee 

Members

Chair: Michael Goldstein
Staff Reps: Dave Beckett, Transportation Operations and Floyd Beattie, Parks and Facilities Manager
Council Representative: Councillor Vicki Mink
Recording Secretary: Gail Martin

Purpose

To provide perspectives and advice to Council relative to the preservation, growth and sustainability of the overall landscape and natural infrastructure of the Municipality.

Mandate

The Committee shall provide recommendations to the Committee of the Whole on matters referred by Council and shall respond to proposed policies, planning and other environmental matters.

Heritage Business Improvement Area

Jamie Byers, Coordinator
905.375.7378 
info@porthopehbia.com 
Council Rep: Vacant

Mandate and Goals

To undertake projects and initiatives to promote the interests of the downtown businesses and Heritage Business Improvement Area and to develop a marketing plan and strategy to increase retail visibility.

  • To promote the Heritage Business Improvement Area as a business, shopping and entertainment area
  • To promote the historic downtown business district
  • In partnership with the Municipality of Port Hope jointly undertake projects to improve, beautify and maintain municipally owned lands, buildings and structures within the Heritage Business Improvement Area.

Amend HBIA Composition - Board of Management By-law 46-2015

Establish the Port Hope Heritage Business Improvement Area and to Establish a Board of Management By-law (64:2007)

Heritage Incentives Advisory Committee

Chair: Connie Martinell
Staff Lead: Daphne Livingstone, Deputy Clerk 
Council Representative: Deputy Mayor Les Andrews

Purpose

To administer the allocation of Heritage Incentives Programs in accordance with the Municipal By-laws and Policies established by the Corporation of the Municipality of Port Hope and to provide advice to Council on Heritage Incentives matters.

Mandate

Administer the allocation of grant funding in accordance with the Heritage Incentive Grant Program established by By-law 46/2018, and as amended from time to time.

1.1 The Committee shall:  

  • Follow the provisions of the Heritage Incentives Grant Program.
  • The Committee may liaise with other heritage groups and individuals to maintain an awareness of their goals and mandate in order to gain support for approved initiatives and is authorized to work jointly with other Municipal Boards, Committees and/or services in encouraging its goals; 
  • Approved minutes shall be forwarded through the Municipal Clerk or designate for inclusion in the Committee of the Whole agenda. 
  • Advise Council on recommended allocation and award of grant funding through Heritage Incentive Advisory Committee minutes.
  • Be responsible for advertising and arranging events such as an annual open house to promote the Heritage Incentive Grant Program. 
  • Make recommendations to Council through the Committee of the Whole regarding the HIAC program criteria to increase the uptake and encourage heritage conservation within the Municipality.
  • Provide an annual report through the budget process identifying the number of applications, the type of project, and the completed outcome or carry over request as the case may be.

For further information on "How to Apply to the Grant" program, please email Daphne Livingstone.

Heritage Port Hope Advisory Committee
Chair: Karen O’Hara
Staff Leads: Tom Dodds, Director of Community Development and Sonia Tam, Heritage Planner
Council Representative: Deputy Mayor Les Andrews

Purpose

The Heritage Port Hope (HPH) Advisory Committee is the Municipal Heritage Committee as described by and pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act. The Committee provides advice and make recommendations related to municipal cultural heritage matters. 

Mandate

Heritage Port Hope is responsible for advising and assisting Council on matters pertaining to Part IV (Conservation of Buildings of Historic or Architectural Value, Designation of Properties by Municipalities) and to Part V (Heritage Conservation Districts) of the Ontario Heritage Act, as amended for time to time.

Joint Animal Control Municipal Services Board

Council Representative: Councillor John Bickle

Purpose

The Member Municipalities established a joint municipal service board for the purpose of overseeing the operation, management, and control of the Joint Animal Control Program.

Mandate

The Joint Animal Control Municipal Services Board provides oversight of the Animal Control Program subject to the limits and conditions set out in the Agreement executed by By-law 22/2013. 

Joint Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee

Term

The Committee shall be established before October 1 of an election year and the term of office shall be at the discretion of the Clerk.  The Committee will meet as needed with meetings to be scheduled when a compliance audit application is received and required disposition.

Purpose

The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 requires all municipalities to appoint a Compliance Audit Committee. The Compliance Audit Committee is responsible for considering compliance audit requests related to election campaign finances.

Mandate

The functions and powers of the Joint Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee are set out in Municipal Elections Act, 1996.

Port Hope Public Library Board

Chair: Jennifer Keyes
Council Representative: Councillor Laurie Carr

Term of Office

That the members of the Board shall be appointed by Council for the term of Council, in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, or until their successors are appointed.  When a member’s seat on the Board is declared vacant, that vacancy shall be determined and filled in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.44, as amended from time to time.

Mandate 

That the rights, duties, powers and responsibilities of the Port Hope Library Board shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.44, as amended, having regard to pertinent by-laws of the Municipality.

That in carrying out the provisions of this By-law, the Port Hope Library Board shall at all times be the agent of the Municipal Corporation and while acting bona fide within the limits of the authority of this By-law neither the Board nor any member thereof shall incur any liability by reason of anything done or left undone by the Port Hope Public Library Board; provided however, that nothing in this section contained shall authorize or empower the Port Hope Library Board to incur any debt, liability or obligation for which the Municipal Corporation shall become liable without having previously obtained the consent of the Council of the Municipality of Port Hope.

That the Chief Executive Officer for the Board shall call the first meeting of the Board in a new term.  

That at the first meeting in a new term of the Board the members of the Board shall elect one of its members as Chairperson.

That the Board shall submit to Council annually on or before the date and in the form specified by the Council, estimates of all sums required during the year for the purposes of the Board.

That the amount of the Board’s estimates that is approved or amended and approved by the Council shall be adopted by the Board and shall be paid to the Board out of money appropriated for it in accordance with the estimates as submitted and approved and shall not be used in any other manner or for any other purpose, without the prior approval of Council declared by Resolution. 

Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee

Chair: Ted Garrett
Staff Lead: Jim McCormack, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture 
Council Rep: Councillor Wendy Meadows

Purpose

The purpose of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee is to advise Council on matters pertaining to parks, recreation, events and cemeteries within the Municipality. 

Mandate

To provide advice to Council relative to Parks, Recreation & Culture initiatives enhancing the quality of life for Port Hope residents through a wide range of innovative, inclusive, and accessible programming, providing opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and community engagement.  

Police Services Board

Chair: Jeff Gilmer
Council Representative: Deputy Mayor Les Andrews

Term of Office

That the term of office shall be consistent with the provisions of the Police Services Act.

Mandate

That the powers, duties and obligations of the Port Hope Police Services Board are in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.15, as amended.

Waterfront and Riverwalk Working Group

Chair: Roland Cave-Browne-Cave
Staff Lead: Jim McCormack, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture and Tom Dodds, Director of Community Development
Council Representative: Deputy Mayor Les Andrews, Councillor Wendy Meadows

Purpose

The purpose of the Waterfront Riverwalk Working Group is to provide recommendations to Council relative to future waterfront and river development, including adjacent lands, within the Municipality of Port Hope.

Mandate

The Waterfront and Riverwalk Working Group (WRWG) is a citizen advisory group established by and responsible to Council. The WRWG will provide recommendations to Council on the strengths, attributes and opportunities to enhance the assets of the Ganaraska River and Waterfront pertaining to economic development and recreational opportunities. 

For more information about our Boards, Committees, and Working Groups, please call us at 905-885-4544 or email us.