Council Code of Conduct

The Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) mandates that municipalities establish a code of conduct outlining ethical standards of behaviour for members of Council and its local boards. The Town's first Code of Conduct was established on July 21, 2014. The current version of the Town's Code of Conduct can be found here: By-Law 20-74. To view the Informal and/or Formal Complaint procedures, please click here.

The Town's Integrity Commissioner has issued an Advisory Bulletin to provide general interpretive advice to Members of Council, Members of Local Boards, and Members of the Public on Town of Grimsby Committees regarding the use of social media, and how it intersects with the ethical obligations established by the Code of Conduct.

Formal Code of Conduct Complaint

Step 1 – Complete Code of Conduct Formal Complaint Form

Fill out the Code - Formal Complaint Form #1 and include:

• Information to support the claim made against the Member, including dates and locations
• Names and contact information for any witnesses of the event
• Your name and contact information; anonymous complaints will not be accepted
• Do not sign the form until you are before the Town Clerk, a Commissioner of Oaths to swear/affirm the affidavit

Step 2 – Filing of Complaint

The Complaint may be filed with the Clerk by hard copy or by email at the following mailing or email addresses, who will provide a copy to the Integrity Commissioner:

Victoria Steele
Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk
160 Livingston Avenue
Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5
Email: vsteele@grimsby.ca 
Tel: 905.945-9634 x 2171

The fee to file a Complaint is $200.00 payable in cash, debit or certified cheque to the Town. This fee will be refunded if the Integrity Commissioner deems the complaint warrants proceeding to the investigation stage.

Step 3 – Swear/Affirm the Affidavit to the Town Clerk

When you arrive at the Office of the Town Clerk, you must swear/affirm the affidavit to indicate that the information you provided is accurate and truthful in front of the Town Clerk, a Commissioner of Oaths to swear/affirm the affidavit.

These materials are available in alternate format, upon request.

Formal Municipal Conflict of Interest Act Complaint

Please fill out the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act - Complaint Form #2.
The steps noted above are then taken to file this complaint.