Committees

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Committees of Council

Committees of Council provide advice to Council and staff on issues that are important to the public. These committees are called Advisory Committees and provide recommendations, advice, and information to Council, as well as carry out assigned responsibilities.

Member Criteria

Volunteer committee members may come from all backgrounds and experiences that can assist Council in further developing and strengthening a diverse and inclusive community.

Members must:

Live, own property, or are the spouse of someone who owns property in the Township of Wilmot
Be at least 18 years of age

Governance

All Committees of Council are governed by the Committee Governance Policy and the Procedural By-Law.

Committees

Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment consists of five Council appointed citizens to consider the following: Minor variances to the Township's zoning by-law and fence by-law Extensions, enlargements or variations to existing legal non-conforming uses Granting consents/severances Learn more about the Committee of Adjustment. Meeting Frequency: Monthly, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole (Committee) facilitates the decision making process of Council. the Committee is comprised of all members of Council who fully participate in debate and forward recommendations to Council for final decision. The Committee is an important forum for policy debate and public input on issues within Council's area of responsibility. Details: The Mayor acts as the chair for the Committee of the Whole. In the absence of the Mayor, the Acting Mayor schedule as adopted by Council will be followed. Agendas for Committee of the Whole are posted on the Township Calendar 10 days before the meeting. Draft minutes are posted as soon as they are available and final minutes are posted once adopted by Council. Similar to Council meetings, Committee meetings are broadcasted via our YouTube channel. Meeting Frequency: Monthly, save and except for July, August and December, on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee
The Dangerous Dog Designation Appeal Committee is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from dog owner’s, or their agents related to the designation of a dog as potential dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or prohibited by an Animal Control Officer, or agent (as per the Dog Control By-law). Details: Members of the Committee elect a Chair from among themselves. When the Chair is absent, the Committee may appoint another member as acting Chair. Committee members who sit on the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee also sit on the Property Standards Committee. View the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee Terms of Reference. Meeting Frequency: As required in response to appeals received by the Township (generally during Township business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee
The Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee is a committee of Council that is responsible for advising on heritage and museum matters. It is a consolidated committee of the former Heritage Wilmot Advisory Committee and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee. The Committee is appointed by Council to advise and make recommendations to Council, the Director of Development Services and the Chief Building Official regarding the Township’s built heritage and other heritage features. Details: The Committee has a statutory role which is set out in the Ontario Heritage Act: Making recommendations relating to the: designation of properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act repeal or amendments to designations alteration or demolition of heritage structures Providing advice and recommendations on other heritage matters The Committee also advises Council on matters related to Castle Kilbride such as: Museum’s Strategic Plan and policies Support for activities, services and programs consideration and recommendations of funds in the Museum Trust Fund in accordance with Township policies View the Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. Meeting Frequency: The second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) advises seven municipalities within the Region of Waterloo to fulfill the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) by giving advice regarding the identification, prevention and removal of barriers (physical, architectural, technological, informational, communicational, attitudinal and policy/practice). Details: GRAAC has the following responsibilities: Advise Council and staff of the participating municipalities regarding the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of municipal accessibility plans. Advise Council and staff of the participating municipalities on the accessibility of buildings, structures or premises that the municipality lease, purchase, construct or significantly renovate. Review and advise on the accessibility of site plans and drawings as described in Section 41 of the Planning Act, as selected and discussed at GRAAC meetings or sub-committee meetings, including all municipal projects for the participating municipalities. Perform all other functions that are specified in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) (O. Reg. 191/11). Consult with persons with disabilities, community groups and organizations representing persons with disabilities in order to capture and communicate emerging issues to participating municipalities. Provide advice to staff and Council of the participating municipalities on ways to address issues for the inclusion of persons with disabilities relating to the provision of the services provided by the municipalities. Participate in consultation opportunities as they relate to the review of relevant legislations, regulations, and standards (i.e. AODA, Ontario Building Code, IASR). Advise on existing and proposed procurement processes as requested by staff of the of the participating municipalities, with respect to the purchase of good or services with regard to accessibility where deemed appropriate. Committee Composition: A minimum of 14 and a maximum of 16 members are appointed by the Councils of the seven participating municipalities to be on the committee, with full voting privileges, the majority whom are persons with disabilities. Co-Chairs are appointed annually by the Committee at the first meeting of the new year. the Co-Chairs preside over meetings and act as a liaison between the Committee and staff where members may wish to bring forward items for consideration on a future agenda. The 2025 GRAAC Co-Chairs are Tamara Cooper and Alyssa Clelland. Meeting dates, agendas and minutes are published online. For more information, please review the GRAAC Terms of Reference. Meeting Frequency: GRAAC will generally meet on a monthly basis ten (10) times per year, on the fourth Thursday of the month, with a summer recess in July and/or August.
Library Committee (Regional Municipality of Waterloo)
The Library Committee is meant to advise the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Library Board on library operations, budgetary considerations, and overall governance of the library system. The Committee’s purpose is to reflect Regional Strategic Priorities within which it can manage the provision of comprehensive and efficient public library services to participating municipalities. Furthermore, the Committee will ensure that an ongoing collaborative relationship is maintained between the Region and the Townships in the provision of library services. The Committee’s approach to undertaking this purpose will be in accordance with the Public Libraries Act and all applicable legislation and policies. The Library Committee Terms of Reference provide that the Committee will: Provide guidance and advice to Regional Staff on library services, including but not limited to, branch facility operations, technological advancements, joint assessment processes utilizing patron data to improve service delivery, etc. Provide budgetary recommendations to the Board for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo annual budget. Ensure collaboration and communication between the Region and Townships. Assist with guiding projects with direction based on Township needs. Assist with identifying operational needs and opportunities for library service improvements. Endeavor to ensure that library services are meeting community needs. Regional Council has recently amended the Terms of Reference for this Committee to include One (1) non-voting community representative nominated by each Township Council. For more information, please review the Terms of Reference. The Committee will be composed of nine (9) Members consisting of: The Regional Chair with one vote; The Mayor of each Township with one vote each; and One (1) non-voting community representative nominated by each Township Council, to be ratified by Regional Municipality of Waterloo Library Board, totaling four (4) community representatives. Chair: Natasha Salonen Vice Chair: Sue Foxton Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400
Property Standards Advisory Committee
The Property Standards Appeals Committee is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from owners or their agents who have received an Order of the Chief Building Official, a Property Standards Officer, or a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, in accordance with the Property Standards By-law. Committee members who sit on the Property Standards Committee also sit on the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee. View the Property Standards Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. Meeting Frequency: As required in response to appeals received by the Township (generally during Township business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force
The purpose of the Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force is to plan, implement and execute an inclusive Canada Day celebration event, which normally consists of one focal event on July 1^st, in combination with smaller complementary activities, such as contests or other events, with respect to the following: Encourage a strong economic and tourism base; Promote and support local businesses; Promote cultural diversity, civic and national pride; Promote active lifestyles by creating a public gathering place; Engage all sectors of the community, such as Service Clubs, businesses, agriculture, sports organizations, arts, cultural, etc., in developing and promoting the celebration; and, Build volunteerism and community. The Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force is responsible for: Planning, implementing and executing the annual Wilmot Canada Day celebration event; Ensuring continued community engagement through multiple avenues (e.g., in person, website, social media, community digital signs etc.) to recruit community members interested in volunteering with the event; Seeking donations, sponsorships or fundraise for any additional desired activities beyond the budget upset limit established by Council. The Committee is composed of: Township of Wilmot Mayor (ex officio); One (1) member of Council appointed by Council; Up to eight (8) representatives from service organizations operating within the Township of Wilmot (i.e., service clubs); and, Up to three (3) members from the community at large (e.g., business owners, community stakeholders, residents, etc.). View the Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force Terms of Reference. Meeting Frequency: The monthly meetings are held on the Third Tuesday of each month in the Wayne Roth Meeting Room at the Wilmot Recreation Complex at 6:30 p.m.

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment consists of five Council appointed citizens to consider the following:

Minor variances to the Township's zoning by-law and fence by-law
Extensions, enlargements or variations to existing legal non-conforming uses
Granting consents/severances

Learn more about the Committee of Adjustment.

Meeting Frequency:

Monthly, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole (Committee) facilitates the decision making process of Council. the Committee is comprised of all members of Council who fully participate in debate and forward recommendations to Council for final decision. The Committee is an important forum for policy debate and public input on issues within Council's area of responsibility.

Details:

The Mayor acts as the chair for the Committee of the Whole. In the absence of the Mayor, the Acting Mayor schedule as adopted by Council will be followed.
Agendas for Committee of the Whole are posted on the Township Calendar 10 days before the meeting.
Draft minutes are posted as soon as they are available and final minutes are posted once adopted by Council.
Similar to Council meetings, Committee meetings are broadcasted via our YouTube channel.

Meeting Frequency:

Monthly, save and except for July, August and December, on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee

The Dangerous Dog Designation Appeal Committee is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from dog owner’s, or their agents related to the designation of a dog as potential dangerous, dangerous, restricted, or prohibited by an Animal Control Officer, or agent (as per the Dog Control By-law).

Details:

Members of the Committee elect a Chair from among themselves. When the Chair is absent, the Committee may appoint another member as acting Chair.
Committee members who sit on the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee also sit on the Property Standards Committee.

View the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee Terms of Reference.

Meeting Frequency:

As required in response to appeals received by the Township (generally during Township business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee

The Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee is a committee of Council that is responsible for advising on heritage and museum matters. It is a consolidated committee of the former Heritage Wilmot Advisory Committee and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee.

The Committee is appointed by Council to advise and make recommendations to Council, the Director of Development Services and the Chief Building Official regarding the Township’s built heritage and other heritage features.

Details:

The Committee has a statutory role which is set out in the Ontario Heritage Act:

Making recommendations relating to the:
- designation of properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
- repeal or amendments to designations
- alteration or demolition of heritage structures
Providing advice and recommendations on other heritage matters

The Committee also advises Council on matters related to Castle Kilbride such as:

Museum’s Strategic Plan and policies
Support for activities, services and programs
consideration and recommendations of funds in the Museum Trust Fund in accordance with Township policies

View the Heritage Wilmot and Castle Kilbride Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.

Meeting Frequency:

The second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)

The Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) advises seven municipalities within the Region of Waterloo to fulfill the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) by giving advice regarding the identification, prevention and removal of barriers (physical, architectural, technological, informational, communicational, attitudinal and policy/practice).

Details:

GRAAC has the following responsibilities:

Advise Council and staff of the participating municipalities regarding the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of municipal accessibility plans.
Advise Council and staff of the participating municipalities on the accessibility of buildings, structures or premises that the municipality lease, purchase, construct or significantly renovate.
Review and advise on the accessibility of site plans and drawings as described in Section 41 of the Planning Act, as selected and discussed at GRAAC meetings or sub-committee meetings, including all municipal projects for the participating municipalities.
Perform all other functions that are specified in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) (O. Reg. 191/11).
Consult with persons with disabilities, community groups and organizations representing persons with disabilities in order to capture and communicate emerging issues to participating municipalities.
Provide advice to staff and Council of the participating municipalities on ways to address issues for the inclusion of persons with disabilities relating to the provision of the services provided by the municipalities.
Participate in consultation opportunities as they relate to the review of relevant legislations, regulations, and standards (i.e. AODA, Ontario Building Code, IASR).
Advise on existing and proposed procurement processes as requested by staff of the of the participating municipalities, with respect to the purchase of good or services with regard to accessibility where deemed appropriate.

Committee Composition:

A minimum of 14 and a maximum of 16 members are appointed by the Councils of the seven participating municipalities to be on the committee, with full voting privileges, the majority whom are persons with disabilities.
Co-Chairs are appointed annually by the Committee at the first meeting of the new year. the Co-Chairs preside over meetings and act as a liaison between the Committee and staff where members may wish to bring forward items for consideration on a future agenda. The 2025 GRAAC Co-Chairs are Tamara Cooper and Alyssa Clelland.
Meeting dates, agendas and minutes are published online.

For more information, please review the GRAAC Terms of Reference.

Meeting Frequency:

GRAAC will generally meet on a monthly basis ten (10) times per year, on the fourth Thursday of the month, with a summer recess in July and/or August.

Library Committee (Regional Municipality of Waterloo)

The Library Committee is meant to advise the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Library Board on library operations, budgetary considerations, and overall governance of the library system.

The Committee’s purpose is to reflect Regional Strategic Priorities within which it can manage the provision of comprehensive and efficient public library services to participating municipalities.

Furthermore, the Committee will ensure that an ongoing collaborative relationship is maintained between the Region and the Townships in the provision of library services.

The Committee’s approach to undertaking this purpose will be in accordance with the Public Libraries Act and all applicable legislation and policies.

The Library Committee Terms of Reference provide that the Committee will:

Provide guidance and advice to Regional Staff on library services, including but not limited to, branch facility operations, technological advancements, joint assessment processes utilizing patron data to improve service delivery, etc.
Provide budgetary recommendations to the Board for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo annual budget.
Ensure collaboration and communication between the Region and Townships.
Assist with guiding projects with direction based on Township needs.
Assist with identifying operational needs and opportunities for library service improvements.
Endeavor to ensure that library services are meeting community needs.

Regional Council has recently amended the Terms of Reference for this Committee to include One (1) non-voting community representative nominated by each Township Council.

For more information, please review the Terms of Reference.

The Committee will be composed of nine (9) Members consisting of:

The Regional Chair with one vote;
The Mayor of each Township with one vote each; and
One (1) non-voting community representative nominated by each Township Council, to be ratified by Regional Municipality of Waterloo Library Board, totaling four (4) community representatives.

Chair: Natasha Salonen

Vice Chair: Sue Foxton

Contact: Regional Clerk's Office, 519-575-4400

Property Standards Advisory Committee

The Property Standards Appeals Committee is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals from owners or their agents who have received an Order of the Chief Building Official, a Property Standards Officer, or a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, in accordance with the Property Standards By-law.

Committee members who sit on the Property Standards Committee also sit on the Dangerous Dog Designation Appeals Committee.

View the Property Standards Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.

Meeting Frequency:

As required in response to appeals received by the Township (generally during Township business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force

The purpose of the Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force is to plan, implement and execute an inclusive Canada Day celebration event, which normally consists of one focal event on July 1^st, in combination with smaller complementary activities, such as contests or other events, with respect to the following:

Encourage a strong economic and tourism base;
Promote and support local businesses;
Promote cultural diversity, civic and national pride;
Promote active lifestyles by creating a public gathering place;
Engage all sectors of the community, such as Service Clubs, businesses, agriculture, sports organizations, arts, cultural, etc., in developing and promoting the celebration; and,
Build volunteerism and community.

The Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force is responsible for:

Planning, implementing and executing the annual Wilmot Canada Day celebration event;
Ensuring continued community engagement through multiple avenues (e.g., in person, website, social media, community digital signs etc.) to recruit community members interested in volunteering with the event;
Seeking donations, sponsorships or fundraise for any additional desired activities beyond the budget upset limit established by Council.

The Committee is composed of:

Township of Wilmot Mayor (ex officio);
One (1) member of Council appointed by Council;
Up to eight (8) representatives from service organizations operating within the Township of Wilmot (i.e., service clubs); and,
Up to three (3) members from the community at large (e.g., business owners, community stakeholders, residents, etc.).

View the Wilmot Canada Day Event Task Force Terms of Reference.

Meeting Frequency:

The monthly meetings are held on the Third Tuesday of each month in the Wayne Roth Meeting Room at the Wilmot Recreation Complex at 6:30 p.m.

Interested in learning more about how a committee functions or about the work they do? Consider attending a committee meeting or look at the meeting agendas online. Committee meetings are generally open to the public, and meetings are posted on the Township Calendar.

Contacts