Closed Meetings

All Council and Committee meetings are open to the public with some exceptions.

When the subject matter of a meeting relates to a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the meeting or part of a meeting will be closed to the public.

A meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter refers to:

• The security of property of the municipality or local board
• Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees
• A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land
• Labour relations or employee negotiations
• Litigation or potential litigation
• Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege
• A matter authorized by another provincial statute
• For educating and training where no member discusses or deals with a matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of the council or local board.

What steps do I take if I have a concern?

1. Contact the Municipal Clerk's Department to discuss your question or concern. The Closed Meeting Investigator Process details how your concerns will be handled.
2. If you believe a meeting was closed to the public in a way that is not permitted by the Municipal Act, 2001 or Clarington's Procedural By-law, fill out a Request for Closed Meeting Compliance Investigation form and submit by email, mail or in person to:
   Municipal Clerk
   Municipality of Clarington
   40 Temperance Street
   Bowmanville, ON  L1C 3A6

The Municipal Clerk must receive all requests within one year of the date of the meeting to which the investigation request is related.