Efficient and effective municipal governments support prosperous and safe communities. Ontario’s municipal governments deliver local services, while the ministry provides their legislative and policy framework. We set standards for many local services such as land use planning, building regulation and social housing, and we provide funding to municipalities for delivery of some services. The ministry also works in partnership with the municipal sector to support efficient and responsive local governments.
- List of Ontario Municipalities
- Local Government WeekFor the children and youth of Ontario, there will soon be a new way to learn about local government.
- Municipal Act / e-guideThe legislation provides for the structure of local municipalities and counties, and sets out their basic powers including the ability to regulate (e.g. licensing), provision of services, finances and roads.
- Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance ProgramThis initiative is intended to
alleviate
the hardship suffered by private
homeowners, farmers, small
business
enterprises and non-profit
organizations,
whose essential property has been
damaged in a sudden and
unexpected
natural disaster, such as a severe
windstorm.
- Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP)This program requires
municipalities to collect data to
measure their performance in 10
core municipal service areas.
- Provincial Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review
- Resources for MunicipalitiesManagement tools, guidelines, and reference materials
- Municipal ElectionsElection information for voters and candidates
- Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)
- Municipal RestructuringMunicipal restructuring includes annexations and amalgamations. Annexations alter municipal boundaries, moving jurisdiction for land from one municipality to another. Amalgamations are mergers of neighbouring municipalities. Restructuring activities are generally a response to urban growth pressures, changes to municipal responsibilities, and provincial government initiatives. Since the mid-1990's, amalgamations have reduced the number of municipalities from 815 in 1996 to 445 in 2004.