Advisory Committees of Council

Overview of Advisory Committees, Boards and Task Forces 

Reporting Structure

Under the advisory committee structure, each advisory committee falls under one of four sustainability committees reporting directly to City Council. The four sustainability committees - cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability - were created to align with the four pillars of the City's Strategic Plan.

Advisory Committees

Provide input and advice on topics related to the City's four sustainability pillars (cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability). Advisory Committees are in place for the term of Council (lasting until end of 2022).

Boards

The City of St. Catharines is involved with several boards to help address specific issues affecting St. Catharines residents

Task Forces

Task Forces provide input and advice on topics related to strategic priorities or high-profile issues where external consultation or advice is required, either for policy or operational purposes. Task forces are in place for shorter terms of length than advisory committees.

 Vacancies

Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

• We are recruiting for one vacancy on the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 
• To apply, please complete our Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Online Application Form.
• Applications must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 29 at noon. 

LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee

• We are recruiting for two vacancies on the LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee. 
• To apply, please complete our LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee Online Application Form.
• Applications must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 29 at noon. 

Town and Gown Advisory Committee

• We are recruiting for four vacancies on the Town and Gown Advisory Committee. The Committee is looking for three citizen representatives and one landlord representative.
• To apply, please complete our Town and Gown Advisory Committee Online Application Form.
• Applications must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 29 at noon. 

List of Advisory Committees, Boards and Task Forces

Advisory Committees:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Advisory Committee on Older Adults
• Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
• Clean City Advisory Committee
• Committee of Adjustment
• Downtown Development Revitalization Advisory Committee
• Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Green Advisory Committee
• Heritage Advisory Committee
• Heritage Permit Advisory Committee
• LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee
• Museum Advisory Committee
• Property Standards
• Public Art Advisory Committee
• Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee
• Town and Gown Advisory Committee
• Transportation Advisory Committee

Boards

• FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Board
• Niagara District Airport Commission Board
• St. Catharines Public Library
• St. Catharines Transit Commission

Task Forces

• 101 South Drive Task Force
• Development Studies Task Force
• Design Review Panel Task Force (Suspended by Council – April 22, 2020)
• Downtown Parking Study Task Force
• Fallen Firefighters Memorial Task Force
• Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force
• Organizational Effectiveness Task Force
• Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Task Force
• Rodman Hall Task Force
• Surplus Lands Development Task Force
• Youth Task Force (Membership dissolved by Council - May 20, 2020)

Advisory Committee Structure

Pillar Structure

• The City has four sustainability advisory pillar committees:

  • Cultural sustainability

  • Economic sustainability

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Social sustainability

• The membership of each pillar committee is comprised of the following:
• Three City Council representatives
• The chairs of the advisory committees that report to the pillar committee

Cultural Sustainability Advisory Committees

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
• Heritage Advisory Committee
• Heritage Permit Advisory Committee
• Museum Advisory Committee
• Public Art Advisory Committee

Economic Sustainability Advisory Committees

• Downtown Development Revitalization Advisory Committee
• Transportation Advisory Committee

Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committees

• Clean City Advisory Committee
• Green Advisory Committee

Social Sustainability Advisory Committees

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Advisory Committee on Older Adults
• Anti-Racism Advisory Committee
• Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee
• Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee
• Town and Gown Advisory Committee

Advisory Committees and Task Forces Handbook 

On an Advisory Committee or Task Force? Curious to know about the process and procedures for Advisory Committee or Task Force members? The handbook and appendices listed below provide all the information you need to know about being on an Advisory Committee or Task Force:

• Advisory Committees and Task Forces Handbook
• Appendix 1 - 2018 to 2022 Advisory Committee, Boards and Task Forces Structure
• Appendix 2 - Code of Conduct for Elected Officials, Local Boards and Advisory Committees
• Appendix 3 - Simplified Meeting Procedures for Advisory Bodies
• Appendix 4 - Appointment Policy for Advisory Committees and Local Boards
• Appendix 5 - Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Appendix 6 - Code of Conduct for Staff / Council Interactions

Updated: December 2020

Expense Policy for Advisory Committee and Task Force Members

It is important that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in local government. To this end, the City is committed to removing barriers to increase participation in advisory committees and task forces to ensure Council’s decisions are informed by a diversity of voices and perspectives.

All members of the City's Advisory Committees and Task Forces can submit expenses for the eligible expenses outlined in the City's Expense Policy for Advisory Committee and Task Force Members. This policy allows for the reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred by volunteer members of advisory committees and task forces.  

2021 General Timeline for Claim Submission, Review and Payment

Timelines subject to change.

Submitting Expenses

Please use the City's Online Expense Submission Form to submit your expenses.