Action by a resident is forcing a change in the Town of Whitby’s Procedure By-Law, according to a statement released yesterday.
An update is coming to Whitby Council next month that recommends allowing members of the public to record meetings, said Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
“I’m aware that a resident has engaged the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms regarding concerns that the Town of Whitby does not currently allow members of the public to record council and committee meetings on personal devices,” said Mayor Roy.
“Since May 2024, council has been working to modernize Whitby’s Procedure By-law to make it more fair, transparent, and reflective of how our community expects local government to operate today. As part of that work, council will receive an update next month that recommends allowing the use of personal devices to record meetings,” she said.
“Good governance is a key theme in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making,” she said while pointing out that just this week, Committee of the Whole approved a change that will ensure better advance notice of motions for council, staff, and the public.
In the fall, council approved a change requiring motions to include a projected property tax impact, where applicable, reviewed by finance staff before being debated.
“I appreciate the feedback we receive from residents, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work,” she added.
You May Also Wish To Read
RIDE evaders crash car, two cruisers before being found hiding