Council Vacancy

Consultation has concluded

On Tuesday, May 22, Oshawa City Council determined that the vacant Regional and City Councillor seat will be filled using an open call. An open call for qualified persons allows any member of the public to apply and be considered for appointment.

The process for the open call is as follows:

  • Friday, May 25, 2018, 8:30 a.m.: Applications for the Regional and City Councillor seat will be accepted.
  • Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: An Open House will be held in the Committee Room at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) for interested individuals to speak with City staff should they have any questions about the appointment, application or process. Those who are unable to attend the Open House but wish to submit questions for consideration can do so online on Connect Oshawa.
  • Monday, June 18, 2018, 12:00 p.m.: Applications for the Regional and City Councillor seat will close.
  • Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:30 p.m.: A Special Council Meeting will be held where Oshawa City Council will hear from each eligible applicant and will select which applicant to appoint to the vacant Regional and City Councillor seat. The procedure used to select the applicant to be appointed will be developed by the City Clerk in keeping with the Municipal Elections Act and the Council Vacancy Policy and will be found online at Council Vacancy web page when finalized.

Interested individuals are required to submit the following documents in-person at the City Clerk’s Office (Rundle 5, Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S.):

  • A completed application for appointment form;
  • Valid photo identification confirming the applicant’s residency within Oshawa, or their status as an owner or tenant of land in Oshawa, or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land in Oshawa; and,
  • A letter, no longer than one page, identifying why the individual feels they are the best positioned to fill the vacancy.

The City Clerk will review each application to ensure that the individual is qualified (a Canadian citizen; 18 years or older; a resident, owner or tenant of land in Oshawa, or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land; and, not prohibited by law from holding office). A list of applicants and their written communication to Council will be found online on the Council Vacancy web page. The list of applicants and their written communication to Council will also form part of the agenda for the Special Council Meeting scheduled for June 28, 2018.

An open call for qualified persons was the option favoured by most participants (46%) during the public consultation process. In total, 59 surveys were submitted on Connect Oshawa and five members of the public attended the Open House.

If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact the City Clerks Office or 905-436-3311 within a minimum of five business days’ notice in advance of the event.

On Tuesday, May 22, Oshawa City Council determined that the vacant Regional and City Councillor seat will be filled using an open call. An open call for qualified persons allows any member of the public to apply and be considered for appointment.

The process for the open call is as follows:

  • Friday, May 25, 2018, 8:30 a.m.: Applications for the Regional and City Councillor seat will be accepted.
  • Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: An Open House will be held in the Committee Room at City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) for interested individuals to speak with City staff should they have any questions about the appointment, application or process. Those who are unable to attend the Open House but wish to submit questions for consideration can do so online on Connect Oshawa.
  • Monday, June 18, 2018, 12:00 p.m.: Applications for the Regional and City Councillor seat will close.
  • Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:30 p.m.: A Special Council Meeting will be held where Oshawa City Council will hear from each eligible applicant and will select which applicant to appoint to the vacant Regional and City Councillor seat. The procedure used to select the applicant to be appointed will be developed by the City Clerk in keeping with the Municipal Elections Act and the Council Vacancy Policy and will be found online at Council Vacancy web page when finalized.

Interested individuals are required to submit the following documents in-person at the City Clerk’s Office (Rundle 5, Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S.):

  • A completed application for appointment form;
  • Valid photo identification confirming the applicant’s residency within Oshawa, or their status as an owner or tenant of land in Oshawa, or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land in Oshawa; and,
  • A letter, no longer than one page, identifying why the individual feels they are the best positioned to fill the vacancy.

The City Clerk will review each application to ensure that the individual is qualified (a Canadian citizen; 18 years or older; a resident, owner or tenant of land in Oshawa, or the spouse of an owner or tenant of land; and, not prohibited by law from holding office). A list of applicants and their written communication to Council will be found online on the Council Vacancy web page. The list of applicants and their written communication to Council will also form part of the agenda for the Special Council Meeting scheduled for June 28, 2018.

An open call for qualified persons was the option favoured by most participants (46%) during the public consultation process. In total, 59 surveys were submitted on Connect Oshawa and five members of the public attended the Open House.

If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact the City Clerks Office or 905-436-3311 within a minimum of five business days’ notice in advance of the event.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

  • Is this a full time position or can you still maintain a full time job and successfully fulfill your duties as City Councillor?

    Rdrunner asked 11 months ago

    Hello Rdrunner,

    Thank you for your question. We want to ensure we are providing you with an accurate response. Please contact Jason McWilliam at 905-436-3311 to discuss further.

    Thank you,
    The Connect Oshawa Team

  • Why is there a Regional and City Councillor vacancy?

    12 months ago

    Former Councillor Bob Chapman resigned effective April 13, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

  • When did Council select the method of selection?

    11 months ago

    Following a period of public consultation, staff presented a report to Council identifying several methods by which the vacancy could be filled. At their meeting on May 22, 2018, Council selected the Open Call method.

  • What is an open call?

    11 months ago

    An open call allows any member of the public to apply and be considered for appointment.

  • Who is eligible to be appointed to fill the Regional and City Councillor vacancy?

    12 months ago

    A person who is:
    • 18 years of age; and,
    • Canadian citizen; and,
    • A resident in the City of Oshawa or the owner or tenant of property in the City of Oshawa or the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the City of Oshawa; and,
    • Not prohibited from running for office in the City of Oshawa by law (for example, a candidate in the 2014 municipal election who failed to submit their financial statement).
    In addition, the eligible person must consent to being appointed.

  • How do I apply for the vacancy?

    11 months ago

    Application forms can be found on the City’s website or at City Clerk Services, 5th Floor, City Hall. Application forms must be filed in person and applicants must bring personal identification showing name, signature, and qualifying address within the City of Oshawa before 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 18.

  • I am considering applying for the vacancy. Where can I learn more about the process?

    11 months ago

    City Clerk Services will be hosting an Open House for interested applicants on June 12, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Committee Meeting Room at City Hall. Staff will be there to provide an overview of the appointment process, answer questions, and distribute application forms.

  • Why does the position need to be filled so close to the October 22, 2018 municipal election?

    12 months ago

    The Regional and City Councillor seat may only be left vacant if the vacancy occurs on or after July 24, 2018.  Given that the vacancy occurred on April 13, 2018, law requires that the vacancy must be filled.