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Navigating Local Government

Halton Hills Council

Municipal Government

Understanding how local government works can help you find information, access services, and participate in decisions that shape our community.

In Halton Hills, Town Council sets priorities and makes decisions on behalf of residents, while Town staff carry out those decisions and deliver services.

Roles of Government


There are three levels of government in Canada - municipal, provincial and federal - each with its own set of responsibilities.


Municipal governments carry out responsibilities as set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. The Town of Halton Hills is an example of a municipal government and is responsible for providing a variety of services within its local boundaries.

Regional governments also fall under the municipal level and have a mandate to deliver specific services set out by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Government of Ontario. Halton Region and the Town work together seamlessly, providing essential, non-duplicated and cost-effective services for residents. Halton Region comprises the following municipalities: City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, and Town of Oakville

Town of Halton Hills responsibilities:
  • ActiVan

  • Agricultural and Agri-Business Services

  • Arts and culture

  • Business licences

  • By-law enforcement

  • Canine Control

  • Cemeteries

  • Economic development

  • Fire services

  • Halton Hills Hydro

  • Libraries

  • Land use planning

  • Local roads and sidewalks

  • Parks and trails

  • Public works (e.g. snow clearing, pavement management)

  • Recreation

  • Storm sewers and drainage

  • Tax collection

  • Tourism (local)

Halton Region responsibilities:
  • Agriculture services

  • Ambulance services

  • Emergency preparedness

  • Employment (e.g. Ontario Works, supports & services)

  • Housing (subsidized/affordable, supports & services)

  • Public health

  • Regional roads

  • Sanitary sewage & treatment

  • Social services (e.g. seniors’ services, long term care facilities)

  • Water supply and distribution

  • Waste management and recycling

Visit halton.ca

Governance of provincial responsibilities is carried out by the Province of Ontario through various ministries.

Ontario's Ministries 

Government of Ontario's responsibilities:
  • Agriculture, food and rural affairs

  • Attorney General

  • Children, community and social services

  • Citizenship and multiculturalism

  • Colleges and universities

  • Economic development, job creation and trade

  • Energy, electricity, northern development and mines

  • Environment, conservation and parks

  • Finance and Treasury Board Secretariat

  • Francophone affairs

  • Government services, procurement and red tape reduction

  • Health and long-term care

  • Indigenous affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation

  • Infrastructure

  • Intergovernmental affairs

  • Labour, immigration, training and skill development

  • Municipal affairs and housing

  • Natural resources and forestry

  • Seniors and accessibility

  • Solicitor General

  • Sports, tourism, culture and gaming

  • Transportation

The Government of Canada delivers national responsibilities through federal ministries, agencies or crown corporations.

Canada's Departments and agencies

Government of Canada's responsibilities:
  • Agriculture and agri-food

  • Canadian heritage and multiculturalism

  • Courts and corrections

  • Crown-Indigenous relations

  • Diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities

  • Economic development (agencies, rural), trade and export

  • Employment labour

  • Environment and climate change

  • Families, children and social development

  • Finance, Bank of Canada and CPP

  • Firearms

  • Fisheries, oceans and coast guard

  • Health, mental health and addictions

  • Housing and infrastructure

  • Immigration, refugees and citizenship

  • Indigenous services

  • Innovation and science

  • Intergovernmental and foreign affairs

  • International trade

  • King’s Privy Council for Canada

  • National defence

  • Natural resources and energy

  • National revenue

  • Public safety and emergency preparedness

  • Public services procurement and accessibility

  • Sport

  • Seniors

  • Small business

  • Tourism and official languages

  • Transport and security

  • Treasury Board

  • Veterans affairs

  • VIA Rail

  • Women, gender equality and youth

Learn More About Your Local Government