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Navigating Local Government
Halton Hills Council
Municipal Government
Understanding how government works helps residents stay informed, access the right services and participate in decisions that shape the community.
This page explains the roles of government at different levels and provides a guide to how local government in Halton Hills operates, including how decisions are made and how you can get involved.
Understanding the Roles of Government
Canada has three levels of government — municipal, provincial and federal — each responsible for different services. In Halton Hills, the municipal level also includes both the Town and the Region, working together to serve residents.
Residents are encouraged to regularly view the Municipal Calendar to help them stay connected and informed about their community.
How Local Government Works in Halton Hills
Council’s Role
- Setting priorities and policies
- Approving budgets
- Making decisions about services and programs
Committees
Council & Committee Meetings
- Staff present reports and recommendations
- Council discusses the issue
- Motions are introduced
- Council votes on decisions
Understanding Agendas & Reports
- Staff reports
- Recommendations
- Supporting documents
- Identify topics of interest
- Understand upcoming decisions
- Prepare to participate
How You Can Participate
Attend or Watch Meetings
- Attend in person (when available)
- Watch live or recorded meetings
- Review agendas and minutes
Speak Before Council
Provide Feedback
- Participate in public engagement opportunities
- Share input on Town initiatives
- Contribute to surveys or consultations
Connect with Your Councillor
Tips for Getting Started
- Start by reviewing meeting agendas
- Focus on issues that affect your community
- Watch meeting recordings at your convenience
- Ask questions or reach out for clarification
Why It Matters
- Access the right services
- Know who to contact
- Stay informed about local decisions
- Participate in shaping your community
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
Governance of provincial responsibilities is carried out by the Province of Ontario through various 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
Related Information
- Council & Committees – Overview of local governance
- Meetings & Workshops – View schedules and agendas
- Public Engagement Charter – How engagement works in Halton Hills