The Municipal Act requires the Township to exercise its powers by by-law. By-laws are the primary legislative instrument of municipalities in Ontario, including Township of South-West Oxford. The Township Council makes decisions by adopting or amending recommendations from its committees and Township officials contained in reports and communications.
These decisions are confirmed by a confirmatory by-law enacted at the end of the meeting. This ensures that every decision is made by by-law. Some decisions are also the subject of a more specific by-law. These by-laws provide for greater clarity and certainty, and for ease of reference.
A By-Law is the legal instrument that Township Council uses to exercise its powers and it becomes effective on the date it is enacted unless it specifies otherwise. The database of Municipal By-Laws enacted by the Township Council of South-West Oxford is available here. If you have any questions about a Township By-law or would like to receive a copy of a By-law in an alternate format or require any assistance in locating a By-law, please submit your request to the Clerk's Office.