Legislative Services and Clerk’s Office
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Legislative Services and Clerk’s Office
The Legislative Services and Clerk’s Office provides the legislative framework for the County of Huron through interpretation and administration of legislation.
Our service areas include:
- Meetings, agendas, and minutes
- By-Laws, policies, and procedures
- Processing Freedom of Information requests
- Information Management including access and privacy
- Accessibility
- Records Management
Meetings, Agendas and Minutes
The Clerk’s Office is responsible for scheduling and facilitating all Huron County Council and Standing Committee meetings, preparing meeting agendas, recording minutes, and retaining records. Almost all Huron County Council meetings are open to the public with the exception of “Closed to the Public Sessions” that deal with specific matters, as outlined by legislation.
By-Laws
Commonly Requested By-laws
Title | Number | Description |
---|---|---|
User Fees and Charges | By-law 2021-080 | Establish user fees and charges for administration services provided by the County of Huron. |
Striking By-law | By-law 2020-072 | Authorize appointment of council members to various committees and boards. |
Procedural By-law | By-law 2022-060 | Establish rules of order, regulation and procedures for the Council, Boards and Committees of the Corporation of the County of Huron. |
Smoking on Huron County Property | By-law 2018-002 | Prohibit smoking on a property owned by the County of Huron. |
Amend By-law 2018-002 Smoking on Huron County Property | By-law 2018-057 | Amend By-law 2018-002 to prohibit smoking on a property owned by the County of Huron. |
Forest Conservation | By-Law No. 38, 2013 | Prohibit or regulate the destruction or injury of trees in woodlands and woodlots in the County |
All Other By-laws
To request information or recieve a copy of any Huron County by-law, please contact the Clerk’s Office.
Freedom of Information
The Clerk’s Office responds to all freedom of information requests made under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) or the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
The purpose of MFIPPA is to ensure that the public has a right to access the information kept by the municipality, and to ensure that personal information is protected by the municipality as necessary.
MFIPPA states that:
- Any member of the public may request to view or obtain copies of general records and information held by the County;
- Any member of the public may request to view, copy or make corrections to information about themselves held by the County;
- The County must protect personal information and privacy;
- Limited and specific circumstances apply where information may need to be withheld from viewing and access.
PHIPA applies to records of personal health information, such as Long Term Care Homes. The Act establishes rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information. The Act also provides individuals with the right to access and correct their personal health information.
How to Make a Freedom of Information Request
If you would like to make a request for information you may contact the Clerk at (519) 524-8394 extension 3257. Some information may routinely be made available to the public without a formal freedom of information request. A formal request is only needed if the request includes personal information or if one of the exemptions set out in the Act applies to the information being requested. A completed request form and $5.00 application fee must be received to start the request.
Requests for information may be reviewed by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
Accessibility
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is provincial legislation requiring municipalities to address issues around disabilities and barriers to accessibility.
The AODA requires all Ontario municipalities to:
- Develop an Annual Accessibility Plan, in consultation with people with disabilities
- Appoint an Accessibility Advisory Committee if over 10,000 in population
- Make the Accessibility Plan available to the public
Accessibility Plans and Documents
Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC) is an advisory committee to County Council made up of community members. This committee provides vision, guidance and advice of the removal of barriers to accessibility to all municipal councils within the Huron County.
Customer Service Accessibility Reporting
The purpose of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy is to create standards governing the provision of goods and services within the County of Huron to persons with disabilities and improve accessibility, using reasonable efforts, in a way that preserves the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. The County of Huron is committed to being responsive to the needs of all its residents. To do this, we must recognize the diverse needs of all of our residents and respond by striving to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all.
As an employer, and a provider of services, the County of Huron is committed to ensuring its services are provided in an accessible manner.
To ensure that businesses comply with requirements of the AODA’s Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, all public and private organizations are required to file annual online accessibility reports with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.
Accessibility Awards and Recognition
Each year, the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in Huron County. These awards honour those who actively work to remove barriers, enhance accessibility, and foster a more inclusive community. The HCAAC Awards consist of two distinct honours:
1. Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award
This award was established by HCAAC in 2022 to honour the memory of Sandra Thompson and to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Sandra Thompson was a devoted advocate for accessibility in Huron County, inspiring others to enhance accessibility in the community. She served as the County of Huron’s Accessibility Coordinator until 2016 and was a proud resident of the Bluevale area.
This award honours an individual in Huron County who:
- Shows exceptional dedication to promoting accessibility.
- Demonstrates strong leadership in advancing accessibility.
- Works to create a more inclusive community.
- Makes a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
2. Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access
This award recognizes outstanding contributions to creating spaces and experiences that remove barriers and foster a more inclusive community. This award honours those who have demonstrated excellence in designing spaces, products, or services that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. It celebrates a commitment to innovation and design that promotes inclusivity and equity. This award has two categories:
- Public: The Public category honors efforts made by governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions to create inclusive and accessible environments for all members of the community.
- Business: The Business category recognizes private enterprises that have demonstrated a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that their spaces, products, and services are welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities.
Request Information in an Alternate Format
Contact the Clerk's Office
County of Huron
1 Courthouse Square
Goderich, ON
N7A 1M2
Phone: 519.524.8394
Toll Free: 1.888.524.2044
Fax: 519.524.2044
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.