Motions

A motion is a formal proposal put forward for discussion and decision-making during a Council meeting. In municipal government, motions are the primary way that Council makes decisions on various issues affecting the community.

When a Council member introduces a motion, they are essentially suggesting a course of action, policy change, or direction for council to consider.

Another Council member must second the motion to confirm that it is worth debating.

Once on the table, Council members discuss the motion, and amendments may be proposed to refine it.

After discussion, a vote is taken, and if the motion receives the required majority support, it is adopted as a resolution or bylaw, depending on its nature.

A motion ultimately provides direction to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). 

Motion - Advisory Committee Review - passed unanimously on March 12, 2026

Whereas, the Town’s Advisory Committees play an important role in providing advice and community expertise to Council; And whereas, effective governance requires that Advisory Committee Terms of Reference be clear, current, and aligned with the Town’s strategic priorities, legislative requirements, and best practices; And whereas, it is desirous to review and update all Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to ensure alignment with the Town Strategic Plan; Therefore, be it resolved that staff undertake a thorough review of all Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, including mandates, roles and responsibilities, committee structure, and overall effectiveness; And that the review includes direct engagement with current Advisory Committee members to obtain input on challenges, opportunities for improvement, and recommended changes; And that staff report back to the 2026-2030 Term of Council with findings and recommendations to modernize and strengthen the Advisory Committee framework.

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Motion: Community Calendar - passed unanimously on Feb 12, 2026

Whereas Community events play a vital role in fostering connection, supporting volunteers, promoting local organizations, and strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Town of Erin; And whereas there is no consistently updated, trusted, and centralized hub for community event information, within existing Town of Erin online platforms; And whereas volunteers, community groups, and event organizers rely on clear, consistent, and accessible municipal support to promote their activities effectively; Therefore, be it resolved that Council directs staff to prepare and present a report regarding the creation of a Community Events Information Hub calendar that would serve as a "one-stop-shop" for residents and tourists to discover events happening within the Town; And that the report includes consideration for, but not be limited to: 1. Governance, Accountability and Ownership, including an overview of internal roles, responsibilities, and workflows across all departments. Defined Department ownership is requested to ensure consistency, accuracy, and sustainability; 2. Operational Process, including procedures for event eligibility, event submission, and improved internal scheduling; 3. Communication Integration, including promotion and outreach plans to foster a collaborative spirit and build value for organizations; 4. Implementation and Timing, including integration with the new website and processes to ensure a smooth and successful website launch’; and 5. Resource Implications, including confirmation that implementation can be achieved through internal resources and the Council approved budget.

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Motion - ​Environmental Sustainability on New Website - passed unanimously May 8, 2024

Whereas the Strategic Plan 2025 & Beyond has been adopted by Council on April 24, 2025

 And whereas the Strategic Plan includes a new pillar titled Environmental Sustainability;

 And whereas the Environmental Sustainability pillar outlines the following objectives and associated actions:

• Objective 2.1 – Develop and implement a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, including the following actions:

  • Action 2.1.3 – Launch a community education campaign on circular economies, sustainable development, and green initiatives

  • Action 2.1.4 – Boost communication and participation in conservation efforts and environmental activities

 And whereas the development of a new municipal website has been approved as part of the 2025 Budget and is scheduled for launch in Q4 2025;

 Therefore, be it resolved that Council directs staff to report back with a strategy to create a dedicated web page on the new website focused on Environmental Sustainability

 And that staff be directed to assemble an ad hoc committee or task force by the end of Q2 2025 as part of the strategy that includes members of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) and other community thought leaders, to harness the local expertise and passion for environmental action;

 And that this committee will focus on the choices that we can make in our everyday lives as stewards of our land.  And this committee will assist in creating content with direct links that includes, but not limited to, local resources, learning opportunities, upcoming events and activities, and practical ways to make a difference.  Every effort matters.

 And that this is recognized as the initial and manageable phase of creating the overall Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in the future.   

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Motion - Transportation Master Plan (quality of life) -  passed unanimously March 14, 2024

Whereas the Town of Erin’s 2024 budget, allocated $100,000 for a Traffic Consolidation Study and this study should be considered as a high priority project.

And whereas, this study is intended to improve the safety and the liveability of our community by managing the safe and efficient movement of traffic flow, whether by vehicle, bike or foot.

And whereas, it is essential that a proactive stance be taken to ensure that future development is planned to ensure the safety and quality of life for our residents. The Traffic Consolidation Study is expected to ill identify traffic management improvements to address traffic concerns related to:

Expected motor vehicle volumes from a consolidated perspective

1. Road safety for vulnerable road users (seniors, school children, pedestrians, cyclists

2. Excessive speeding

Therefore, be it resolved that Council DIRECT Administration to expedite a report analyzing the options for fast tracking the Traffic Consolidation Study before any further development files are presented to Council.

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Motion - Economic Development Reserve Fund (business support) - passed unanimously

Whereas the wastewater treatment plan and linear infrastructure projects are amongst the largest and most expensive capital projects ever undertaken in the history of Wellington County;

Whereas the Town has not previously considered any additional funding that would address a communication and marketing plan to assist residents and local businesses with navigating through the construction resulting from the Town’s wastewater project; 

And whereas the Erin Chamber of Commerce has identified the need for proactive communications to support their members and their customers resulting from the Town’s wastewater construction project;

And whereas the Erin Chamber of Commerce cannot solely fund communication for what is a Town project impacting their members and their customers;

And Whereas the Town of Erin is desirous of partnering with the Erin Chamber of Commerce in support of local businesses;

And whereas the result of these communication & marketing initiatives will positively impact RESIDENTS and Chamber members, and it is not exclusive to their members and will support ALL businesses in the Town of Erin

And whereas grants have been applied for to fund this initiative but have not yet been awarded;

And whereas there is currently $41,000 sitting in the Economic Development Reserve account that hasn’t been used since 2020;

And whereas the Economic Development Reserve exists to support economic development initiatives;

And whereas the Town Treasurer stated that she expects a surplus in the Town’s 2022 4th Quarter Financial Statements which could be used to replenish any reserve funds allocated to support this endeavour,

Therefore be it resolved that:

1) Council directs the allocation of $41,000 from the Economic Development Reserve account to be allocated to paying for communication, marketing, and labour related costs for a communication and marketing plan to assist residents and local businesses with navigating through the construction resulting from the Town’s wastewater project; including partnership programs with the Erin Chamber of Commerce; and that 

2) Should grants be received for this project that those funds be allocated and exhausted first before any Town funds be expended; and 

3) That should the 2022 4th Quarter Financial Statements produce a surplus that any or all of the $41,000 spent be replenished in the Economic Development Reserve account;

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Motion - Waste Water Project Updates - passed unanimously December 14, 2023

Whereas the wastewater treatment plan and linear infrastructure projects are now underway but have undergone a number of significant revisions to the design and implementation; And whereas it is desirous to fully and transparently understand the status of this project to ensure it remains on-track and is meeting milestones; And whereas all new developments will be connected immediately to the system as it is built. The timing of the connections for existing properties within the urban boundary will depend on funding from higher levels of government; And whereas the timing, execution and payment terms of any municipal wastewater lines for existing property owners within the urban boundary is yet to be determined. And it currently states on erin.ca that it will be a bare minimum of four years, before existing properties will be connecting to the system; And whereas communicating effectively with the community is of paramount importance to ensure that residents are kept informed of any changes, costs, liabilities, and other factors. Therefore be it resolved that Council direct staff to bring a report to Council including the following: 1. A summary of the project including current project finances, scheduling, potential cost overruns and ownership of financial liability. 2. A set of recommendations on how existing property owners can manage their septic systems until the time of hookup. 3. Clarification on the process of instituting a Sewer Connection By-Law. 4. A summary of the steps being taken to advocate for funding necessary for the connection of existing properties to the wastewater system.

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Motion - Activity List  (accountability) - passed unanimously 

Whereas Town Council, as the policy makers for the Municipality, play an important role in ensuring that projects and work are completed in a timely manner;

Whereas having a clear method for Members of Council and staff to track projects to ensure reporting back occurs as directed and on time is critical to maintaining accountability to Council, and transparency to the public;

Whereas there does not exist a current shared method for tracking the decisions of Council and reporting back to provide clear information for Members of Council and staff;

Therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to re-instate a previously used tool titled Activity List to the Correspondence Section of every agenda. This list will include activity from January 2023 forward. This tool will track and manage the status and completion of Council decisions.  The list will include description of request, responsibility, date directed, suggested completion and status.  

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