The Town of Whitby is moving to strengthen its council procedures after a series of contentious meetings highlighted concerns about motions being introduced without adequate notice.
Whitby council has directed the town clerk to review the municipality’s Procedure By-law and propose amendments aimed at ensuring councillors and members of the public have enough time to review and provide input on motions before they are debated.
The decision follows past incidents where motions were brought forward with minimal warning, including one recent example in Clarington, where a last-minute motion failed because it could not receive a seconder in the limited time available.
The motion approved by Whitby council specifically addresses motions introduced under the new and unfinished business section of council agendas, particularly those brought forward with “little or no notice.”
In a statement, the town emphasized that councillors need sufficient advance notice to properly understand a motion’s implications, consult with staff, and make informed decisions in the community’s best interest.
Council also stated that motions should be included in the published agenda and made publicly available ahead of meetings to improve transparency and public engagement.
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