The City of Toronto is encouraging citizens to provide input to the Province of Ontario on how municipal legislation is working in the city and throughout the province. Led by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Province is reviewing important legislation to ensure that Ontario municipalities have the tools, power, and flexibility required to serve their communities. The legislation in question includes the City of Toronto Act (COTA), 2006, which applies to the City of Toronto; the Municipal Act, 1990, which applies to all other municipalities in Ontario; the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA), 1990, which governs the conduct of city councillors when participating in a Council meeting; and the Municipal Elections Act (MEA), 1996, which regulates municipal elections.

View of Toronto's downtown core, image by Marcus Mitanis

The public can access a discussion guide and provide online comments for the legislation over the course of the summer. For COTA, the Municipal Act, and MCIA, feedback must be received by August 7, 2015, and can be submitted here. For the MEA, feedback must be received by July 27, 2015, and can be submitted here. The review of this legislation is an important opportunity for Torontonians and citizens of the GTA to identify key issues and get involved to ensure a strong future for their cities.