Training Resources for Municipalities
Below is a list of resources and free webinars on topics that may help citizens, administrators and members of council committees, boards and other bodies to better understand the roles and responsibilities of municipalities under legislation.
1. Advisory Services and Municipal Relations Training Resources and Webinars
In addition to the webinar listed below, you can learn about:
- Educational Requirements to be an Administrator
- Municipal Election Procedures
- 10 Minute Trainer sessions for Council
Guides, handbooks, fact sheets, sample bylaws and other resources prepared by Advisory Services and Municipal Relations branch can be accessed by visiting the Publications Centre.
Advisory Services and Municipal Relations Webinars
| A Guide to the Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) Grant Declaration of Eligibility |
Topics covered include: - MRS eligibility requirements - Public disclosure statements - MRS declaration resolution - MRS audit requirements - Next steps if there are outstanding eligibility requirements - Online resources |
View A Guide to the Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant Declaration of Eligibility webinar. Download webinar handout. |
2. Community Planning Training Resources and Webinars
The Community Planning branch offers in-person workshops and presentations on topics such as Planning 101, the Development Appeals Board, amending planning bylaws, the land development process, development levies and servicing agreements, how to minimize flood impacts through planning and District Planning Commission training.
Learn more about these and other training the branch offers by:
- Downloading their Education Materials guide.
- Reading the printed resources prepared by the Community Planning branch by visiting the Publications Centre.
- Watching the recorded webinars listed below.
Community Planning Webinars
| Amending Zoning Bylaws | Topics covered include: - Decision to amend - Preparing the amending bylaw - Public notice - Public hearing - Bylaw adoption - Ministerial approval |
View Amending Zoning Bylaws webinar. Download these resources: - Conducting a Public Hearing Under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 - Amending Planning Bylaws Guide - Land Use Planning Bylaw Checklist - Zoning Bylaw Handbook |
| Discretionary Uses | Topics covered include: - Processing an application - Council's consideration when reviewing an application - An applicant's right of appeal - Common myths |
View Discretionary Use webinar. Download these resources: - Development Officer's Report to Council - Sample - Processing a Discretionary Use Application Guide |
| How to Process a Subdivision Referral |
Topics covered include: - What a subdivision is - Relationships between developers and municipalities - What should be addressed in a report to council |
View How to Process a Subdivision Referral webinar. Download these resources: - Municipalities and the Subdivision Process - A Step-by-Step Guide to Subdivision |
| Planning Fees | Topics covered include: - What costs can and cannot be recovered through a fee - Methods for calculating fees - The process for establishing fees |
View Planning Fees webinar. Download these resources: - Planning Fee Guide - Planning Fee Rationale |
| Servicing Agreements and Development Levies (Webinar 1) |
Topics covered include: - Legislative framework - What are servicing agreements - Eligible items allowed in a servicing agreement - Exercises |
View Servicing Agreements and Development Levies (Webinar 1). Download these resources: - Development Levies and Servicing Agreements Guide - Sample Servicing Agreement |
| Servicing Agreements and Development Levies (Webinar 2) |
Topics covered include: - Overview of development levies - Development levy bylaws - Appeals - Best practices - Exercises |
View Servicing Agreements and Development Levies (Webinar 2). Download these resources: - Development Levies and Servicing Agreements Guide |
| Establishing a Development Appeals Board (Webinar 1) |
Topics covered include: - Legislative framework - Roles and responsibilities of board members - Responsibility of council |
View Establishing a Development Appeals Board (Webinar 1). |
| Types of Development Appeals (Webinar 2) |
Topics covered include: - Applicant's right of appeal (zoning/subdivision) - Appeal application - Notice of hearing (zoning/subdivision) |
View Types of Development Appeals (Webinar 2). |
| Conducting an Appeal Hearing (Webinar 3) |
Topics covered include: - Conduct of board - Jurisdictional challenges - Hearing procedure - Presentation of evidence - Rules of exclusion |
View Conducting an Appeal Hearing (Webinar 3). |
| Decisions of the Board (Webinar 4) |
Topics covered include: - Considerations for making a decision - The board's decision - Procedure for issuing a decision - Right of further appeal |
View Decisions of the Board (Webinar 4). |
3. Municipal Infrastructure and Finance Training Resources and Webinars
In addition to the recorded webinar below, the Municipal Infrastructure and Finance branch has several financial guides and templates about municipal accounting practices and financial statements. These documents can be downloaded by visiting the Publications Centre.
Municipal Infrastructure and Finance Webinars
| Financial Statements Webinar |
Topics covered include: - Overview of annual financial statements - Process requirements for submitting an annual financial statement to the minister |
View Financial Statements webinar. |