By-laws

By-laws are laws made by a municipality in accordance with municipal legislation.  Municipal councils pass bylaws that govern municipal operations and service delivery. By-laws are the primary legislative instrument of municipalities in Ontario. County Council makes decisions by adopting or amending recommendations from staff and its committees. These recommendations are generally contained in Council reports presented at County Council meetings.

These decisions are confirmed by a confirmatory by-law enacted typically at the meeting. This ensures that every decision is made by by-law. Some decisions are also the subject of a more specific by-law. These by-laws provide for greater clarity and certainty, and for ease of reference.

What is a by-law?

• A By-law is the legal instrument that Council uses to exercise its powers.
• A By-law becomes effective on the date it is enacted unless it specifies otherwise.

For more information about the County's By-laws or to request a copy of specific By-law, please contact the Legislative Services Division.