What is Toronto City Council?
Toronto City Council is the decision-making body for the City of Toronto. It's made up of elected officials who vote on policies, laws, and initiatives that impact the city. These decisions affect everything from local parks to public transit and housing. The process used to make these decisions follows three key steps.
Toronto is divided into 25 wards, each represented by a City Councillor. City Council is made up of 25 elected Councillors, one per ward, and the Mayor, who is elected city-wide. Together, they shape policies and make decisions that impact the entire city.
The Toronto Public Service (TPS) has 42K+ employees working across dozens of divisions and offices to implement city policies and services. They are directed by City Council to deliver City programs and services.
The Toronto Public Service (TPS) has 42K+ employees working across dozens of divisions and offices to implement city policies and services. They are directed by City Council to deliver City programs and services.
The Three-Step City Council Process
Before we dive into the process, let's define what City Council works on. An item is any topic or issue listed on a City Council or committee agenda for discussion or decision. Each item represents the overarching issue being addressed and often includes reports prepared by city staff to provide detailed background and recommendations.
Now, let's follow how an item moves through City Council and how you can engage with it along the way.
Now, let's follow how an item moves through City Council and how you can engage with it along the way.
First Step: Staff Stage
City staff, working at City Hall, take the first steps in acting on an item by researching and developing recommendations. They gather data, analyze what other cities are doing, and propose specific actions for Toronto. This stage is the most time-intensive, as staff prepare detailed reports that lay the groundwork for future decisions. Public input can shape these recommendations through consultations, surveys, or community committees organized by city departments.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
Second Step: Committee Stage
Next, the item moves to a committee, a smaller group of council members. Committees review the staff's recommendations, provide feedback, suggest changes, and ask critical questions to ensure the proposals are well thought out. While committees don't make final decisions, they refine the item and send it to the full Council for voting.
This stage also provides an opportunity for public deputations, where citizens can speak directly to the committee about the item. Deputations allow residents to share their opinions, highlight concerns, and advocate for their positions. Items typically move more quickly through this stage compared to the staff stage.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
This stage also provides an opportunity for public deputations, where citizens can speak directly to the committee about the item. Deputations allow residents to share their opinions, highlight concerns, and advocate for their positions. Items typically move more quickly through this stage compared to the staff stage.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
Third Step: Council Stage
Finally, the item reaches the full City Council, which consists of all elected council members. At this stage, councilors review the item, debate its merits, and vote on whether to approve or reject it. Each councilor casts a vote—green for approval, red for rejection. If a majority votes in favor, the item becomes a new law, policy, or directive for the city.
The Council Stage is the culmination of the process, where the item is finalized, and the decisions made here directly impact Toronto and its residents.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
The Council Stage is the culmination of the process, where the item is finalized, and the decisions made here directly impact Toronto and its residents.
For a more in-depth explanation, visit the City Council Wiki.
How Can I Get Involved?
Getting involved with Toronto City Council is easier than you might think! There are several ways to share your opinions and influence decisions that matter to you.
Specific Actions - Can Be Done One Time or Many Times!
Call or Email Your Councillor
You can call or email your local councillor to discuss issues you care about. Councillors can advocate on your behalf and provide insights into ongoing city decisions.
Attend a Consultation
City staff often hold consultations, surveys, or community meetings to gather feedback on new policies and projects. These are great opportunities to share your thoughts early in the process.
Submit a Deputation
At the committee stage, you can make a deputation, which is a formal presentation where you share your views directly with council members during a public meeting. Your public comments can influence the proposal under review before it reaches City Council, or be taken into consideration for future proposals.
Submit a Comment
At the committee stage, you can also make a comment on each agenda item that is being considered. Your comments can influence the members of the committee as they make their decisions.
Want more ways to get involved, or how to raise an unaddressed issue? Visit the City Council Wiki.
Specific Actions - Can Be Done One Time or Many Times!
Call or Email Your Councillor
You can call or email your local councillor to discuss issues you care about. Councillors can advocate on your behalf and provide insights into ongoing city decisions.
Attend a Consultation
City staff often hold consultations, surveys, or community meetings to gather feedback on new policies and projects. These are great opportunities to share your thoughts early in the process.
Submit a Deputation
At the committee stage, you can make a deputation, which is a formal presentation where you share your views directly with council members during a public meeting. Your public comments can influence the proposal under review before it reaches City Council, or be taken into consideration for future proposals.
Submit a Comment
At the committee stage, you can also make a comment on each agenda item that is being considered. Your comments can influence the members of the committee as they make their decisions.
Want more ways to get involved, or how to raise an unaddressed issue? Visit the City Council Wiki.
Stay Informed, Take Action
Now that you know how City Council works, why not take the next step? Stay informed and make your voice heard! Check out our Actions Page to see upcoming Council items and take action in just one click.
Or visit our Councillors Page to see how your Councillor has voted and whether they align with your priorities. Your engagement can help shape the decisions that impact Toronto—get involved today!
Or visit our Councillors Page to see how your Councillor has voted and whether they align with your priorities. Your engagement can help shape the decisions that impact Toronto—get involved today!