Afternoon town council meetings making a comeback in Stouffville

Until this past July and for at least 12 years, council meetings were at 3 and 7 p.m.

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 4, 2015
By Sandra Bolan

Why reinvent the wheel?

Whitchurch-Stouffville council meetings held on Tuesdays at 3 and 7 p.m. worked before so they can work again.

Beginning in January and lasting until the end of this council’s term - November 2018 - meetings will alternate between afternoons and evenings.

Until this past July and for at least 12 years, council meetings were at 3 and 7 p.m.

When Ward 6 Councillor Rob Hargrave was first elected more than 10 years ago, he continually advocated for all evening meetings. He got his wish earlier this year when council approved a six-month trial.

During Tuesday night’s discussion on the matter, Hargrave noted the evening meeting “gives residents the opportunity to be here for an important decision”.

He added he hoped for a 7 p.m. meeting to be in the mix.

Attending council meetings in person is not the only way people can be involved, according to the staff report.

Council meetings are currently audio recorded and posted onto the town’s website. Starting next year, the meetings will be streamed live.

The next and final meeting of 2015 is Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

Among the agenda items is the release of the draft 2016 budget, as well as the final plans and costing for the library/leisure centre expansion.

The municipal building is located at 111 Sandiford. Dr.