Councillors are eyeing the possibility of gathering local expertise on finance and climate change by striking two new town committees.
During Monday’s (Feb. 28) regular meeting, council passed motions asking staff to prepare reports on the possibility of striking two new committees to advise council: an environment climate change advisory committee put forward by Coun. Kathy Jeffery and an audit and finance committee, put forward by Deputy Mayor Tim Fryer.
Coun. Christopher Baines asked whether Jeffery saw the new climate committee working with the Collingwood Climate Action Team. (CCAT)
Jeffery said she hoped the staff report would outline how the groups could work together, and what role the CCAT might see themselves playing in the committee.
“(This committee) would specifically be advisory to council,” said Jeffery, adding that she would like to see other environmental groups in the area also included in discussions.
“I’m asking staff to review what they think would be the best terms of reference or format for this advice to council,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Tim Fryer was recently elected vice chair of the audit and finance committee for the County of Simcoe, and noted he put the motion forward because he felt the Town of Collingwood could also benefit from having such a committee. He said the Town of Innisfil also has such a committee, which reviews systems such as accounting, reporting, internal controls, safeguarding of corporate assets and compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. Members facilitate an impartial, objective and independent review of management practices.
“What I had envisioned was the same,” said Fryer. “We’ll wait and see what the staff report says and their recommendations.”
The town currently has a variety of volunteer committees and boards which serve to advise council on various subjects, including:
- accessibility advisory committee
- affordable housing task force
- Collingwood Public Library board
- committee of adjustment/property standards
- Downtown Collingwood BIA board of management
- heritage committee
- museum advisory committee
- police services board
- sustainable development goals task force
- trails and active transportation advisory committee
Both motions were passed unanimously on Monday night. Coun. Deb Doherty was absent from the meeting.
