Accountability and Transparency

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Bancroft recognizes that municipal governments are some of the most open and transparent levels of government.  As such, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Bancroft will ensure it is accountable to the public and that its actions are transparent to the public.

Council Responsibilities: 

Council recognizes that it is responsible to provide good government for its stakeholders in an accountable and transparent manner.   Council is guided by the following principles:

  • Encouraging public access and participation to ensure that decision making is responsive to the needs of its ratepayers and receptive to their opinions;
  • Delivering high quality services to the ratepayers; and
  • Promoting the efficient use of public resources.

Enhancing Public Trust: 

Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhances public trust.  They are achieved through the Town adopting measures ensuring, to the best of its ability, that all activities and services are undertaken utilizing a process that is open and accessible to its ratepayers.  In addition, wherever possible, the Town will engage its ratepayers throughout its decision-making procession which will be open, visible and transparent to the public.

For more information, please view the Town’s Accountability and Transparency Policy.

Code of Conduct for Council and Related Policies

As leaders of the Town, members of Council are held to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour.   Council members are expected to carry out their duties in a fair, honest, conscientious, diligent, impartial, transparent and professional manner.   The Code of Conduct and Ethics establishes a shared and common foundation for acceptable behaviour, conduct and actions by members of Council for the Town of Bancroft. 

The Code shall serve to strengthen the public's perception and confidence that elected representatives operate from a base of:

  • Integrity
  • Justice
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Courtesy
Code of Conduct for Council and Related Policies

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

Make a Request Here - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

Integrity Commissioner

Mr. John Ewart of Ewart, O'Dwyer Barristers & Solicitors 

The Town of Bancroft, through the County of Hastings, has appointed Mr. John Ewart of Ewart, O’Dwyer Barristers & Solicitors as the Integrity Commissioner for the municipality and authorizes him to conduct inquires upon complaint for rules governing ethical behaviour of members of Council and Local Boards as they pertain to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct. 

The Integrity Commissioner’s responsibilities include:

  • Conduct inquiries upon complaint for Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and Code of Conduct matters
  • Provide advice to members of Council and local boards regarding their obligations under the Code of Conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
  • Provide educational information to the public, the municipality and members of Council and local boards about the Code of Conduct and Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

The duties and responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner are further detailed in Section 223 of the Municipal Act, 2001. It is the responsibility of the Integrity Commissioner to report directly to the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Bancroft. 

Complaint Filing Process 

Any individual who identifies or witnesses behaviour or activity by a sitting Member of Council or a Local Board that they believe is in contravention of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council or the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act may file a formal complaint with the following conditions:

  • The complaint must set out reasonable and probable grounds for the allegations that the Member has contravened the Code of Conduct or the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. A supporting sworn Affidavit setting out the evidence in support of the allegations must also be included. 
  • The complaint shall be filed with the Clerk of the Town of Bancroft who shall forward the matter to the Integrity Commissioner for initial classification to determine if the matter is, on its face, a complaint with respect to non-compliance. 

Resources

Open and Closed Meetings

Open Meetings - A Guide for Municipalities
Closed Meeting Investigation Request Form

Surveillance Policy

There are areas of Town property currently monitored by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Signage is posted widely in those areas.
This initiative is maintained by the Corporate Services Department.
The personal information collected by the use of the CCTV is collected under the authority of Council of the Town of Bancroft, By-Law No. 43-2019. This information will be used for the purpose of promoting public safety in public spaces.
Any questions about this collection can be directed to the General Manager or Clerk Department, at (613) 332-3331 or in person during business hours at the Municipal Office, 8 Hastings Heritage Way, Bancroft, Ontario. Please see the Town of Bancroft's video surveillance policy below;

SCHEDULE A - BY-LAW 43-2019 - VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

BY-LAW NO. 43-2019 - VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Policy