The first meeting of City Council following the October 25 election will take place on December 7and 8 in the Council Chamber at Toronto City Hall.
The new Mayor and Council officially take office on December 1, 2010 marking the beginning of the new term.
The City of Toronto Act requires Members to take the declaration of office before taking their seats for the first meeting. The Clerk will administer the declaration to Members individually between Election Day and the first meeting.
The first meeting of Council will start at 2 p.m. on December 7. This meeting is reserved for ceremonial and organizational business. The Mayor will be presented with the Chain of Office and make inaugural remarks.
In addition to the ceremonial activities, the Mayor will announce his appointments of Deputy Mayor and the chairs of the policy standing committees.
The Mayor will also formally advise Council if he consents to the election of a Speaker. Under the City of Toronto Act, the Mayor presides over Council meetings, unless he consents to the election of another Member to preside in his place.
In addition, City Council will appoint the Striking Committee on the recommendation of the Mayor. The Striking Committee recommends Members’ appointments to committee and agencies, as well as the 2011 schedule of meetings.
City Council will recess until 2 p.m. on December 8. In the meantime, the community councils will meet at 9:30 a.m. on December 8 to elect their chairs and vice chairs. The Striking Committee will meet at 10 a.m. to recommend Members’ appointments and the 2011 meeting schedule to the afternoon session of City Council. City Council will reconvene at 2 p.m. on December 8.
After City Council approves the appointments and meeting schedule, an election will be conducted for Speaker and Deputy Speaker if the Mayor has consented to Council doing so.
City Council will meet again before the year-end on December 16, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. to consider reports from the Community Councils and Executive Committee meetings.
Major items at City Council this week included the Vacant Home Tax, island airport and traffic congestion management.
Read Councillor Fletcher's latest update for details on the newly opened Leslie Lookout Park along with engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park.
Read my latest update for details on the upcoming TRCA Butterfly Festival along with engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park.
