Municipal governance matters to nonprofits

Municipalities are responsible for the-day-to-day elements of a community. From culture, emergency services, and infrastructure to health and social services and land and resources. Often municipalities are also in charge of local community and safety well-being plans, economic development pathways, poverty reduction strategies, and other similar strategies. 

While ONN does not engage in municipal level advocacy, given the breadth and depth of local communities across Ontario, we do monitor and track provincial legislation that impacts municipalities and/or issues in one region that might impact others and/or be precedent setting.

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Municipal lobbying rules

Municipal lobbying rules apply to nonprofits. However, not all municipalities are required to have lobbying rules and registries, so only a few have them. The rules and registration processes differ across municipalities as well. Individual municipal lobbying rules can be found by accessing and reviewing municipal by-laws, which are often available online.

Registering at the municipal level is not related to federal or provincial lobbyist registrations. And different lobbying rules apply during elections.

Public consultations

Public consultations are an opportunity for organizations to weigh in on government decisions. Submissions are a way to document dissent, concerns, queries, and provide alternative solutions. They can happen at any phase of the decision making process (identify priorities and issues, give feedback on draft policies and plans, and help develop a solution to a problem).

Opportunities will appear on individual municipal websites for submissions, letters, and deputations as councils and public servants navigate critical public-policy and budget-making decisions.

Pre-budget consultations

Pre-budget consultations are a valuable opportunity for local nonprofits to amplify key issues and propose solutions for government action that impact their organizations, the broader sector, and the communities they serve. The best budget submissions focus on clear and specific policy changes and commitments the government can make within a budget cycle.

There are many ways to participate, organizations do not have to do everything but rather strategically select a way that best meets their needs and capacity.

Resources on municipal advocacy

• Municipal 101 (Association of Municipalities Ontario)
• City Budget Resources (Social Planning Toronto)
• Introducing new municipal advocacy toolkit (Evidence for Democracy)
• Municipal advocacy around extreme heat and rental housing (Canadian Environmental Law Association)