Municipal Responsibilities

It is important to understand how various levels of government (Municipal, Provincial and Federal) work and what they are responsible for. Each level of government is responsible for providing specific services and can raise money through taxes and/or fees for services.

Clarington is part of a two-tier Government. The Region of Durham forms the upper tier, while Clarington is one of eight lower-tier municipalities within the Region.

Municipal government - lower tier

The responsibilities of Municipal governments are set out in the Municipal Act, 2001. Municipal governments are responsible for providing many of the services within their local boundaries that you rely on daily, including:

• Strategic land use
• Subdivision and condominium approval
• Maintenance of the local roads, including snow removal
• Library services
• Emergency and Fire Services
• Animal services and municipal law enforcement
• Parks and recreation
• Arts and culture
• Economic development
• Airports
• Tax collection
• Storm sewers

Municipal governments raise most of the money to pay for these services through property taxes. Additional funding comes from other sources, or "non-tax revenue" including parking fines. In some cases, the Provincial government provides grants, payment in lieu, and other assistance to help pay for services.

Upper tier

The Region of Durham is responsible for key services that residents rely on, including:

• Affordable housing
• Child care and early learning programs
• Regional Council
• Durham Region Transit
• Emergency shelters and housing-focused shelter programs
• Employment support
• Financial assistance
• Garbage, recycling and other waste collection
• Police Services
• Provincial Offences Administration
• Public health services
• Regional roads, traffic lights and controls
• Sewer collection and treatment
• Subdivision and condominium approval
• Water supply, distribution and billing

Visit the Region of Durham's website for more information.

Council

Municipalities are governed by Municipal Councils who make decisions regarding financing and services. The head of a local Municipal Council is called the Mayor and Members of Council are called Councillors. Clarington has one Mayor and six Councillors (two Regional and four Local).

Learn more about Clarington's Mayor and Council.