Boards + committees

The Accessibility Advisory Committee meets the 4th Thursday in February, April, June, August, October and December at 5 p.m. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee consists of persons with disabilities and others from the community who have a direct interest in accessibility issues. The committee has been formed to make recommendations to City Council on matters relating to equal opportunity and access for all persons, regardless of needs, to participate as fully as possible in all aspects of our community. The Committee provides input in the development of initiatives that address the reduction and prevention of barriers in our community that would otherwise restrict accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The responsibilities of the Accessibility Advisory Committee are to:

• Review site plans for commercial/industrial developments and plans of subdivisions to provide insight and input regarding the accessibility
• Review City buildings/facilities/infrastructure/services and make recommendations
• Review bylaws of the City that incorporate any matters deemed to affect accessibility in the community
• Take a proactive role in the City’s efforts to provide a barrier-free environment 
• Raise public awareness of accessibility issues

Members:
Councillor Karen Sharpe

The Active Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meets on March 6 and July 3, and otherwise when required at 3 p.m.

The Active Transportation & Traffic Safety Advisory Committee will deal with the following matters:

• Speed limits
• Bike lanes
• Traffic safety & calming measures
• Quinte Transit
• Trails

Members: 
Councillor Duncan Armstrong
Councillor Egerton Boyce
Councillor Michael Kotsovos
Councillor Don Kuntze
Councillor Lynda Reid
Councillor Shelley Stedall
Councillor Karen Sharpe

The Agricultural Advisory Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday in March, June, September and December at 3 p.m. 

The Committee serves as an advisory resource to City Council and the Planning Advisory Committee to develop and review planning policy and its impact on agriculture in the City of Quinte West. The agricultural advisory committee consists of council members and public members with strong and active ties to the agricultural community.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee recognizes the importance that the City places on developing and maintaining strong working relationships with the agricultural community.

The responsibilities of the agricultural advisory committee are to:

• Advise City Council on matters affecting agriculture in Quinte West
• Solicit and coordinate the interests and concerns of Quinte West’s agricultural community, its farmers, farm organizations and agricultural farm support industries and communicate those interests and concerns to City Council
• Review studies, plans and proposals as may be referred to the Committee by City Council and staff and comment on their agricultural impact
• Recommend to City Council studies necessary to help resolve and/or improve agricultural problems and conditions
• Advise and assist the City in the implementation of Quinte West’s agricultural goals, objectives and policies

Members:
Councillor Jim Alyea
Councillor Zack Card
Councillor David McCue

The Audit & Risk Advisory Committee meets on May 1 and Nov. 30, and otherwise when required at 3 p.m.

The Audit & Risk Advisory Committee serves as a communication focal point between council, the external auditor and management. Members facilitate an impartial, objective and independent review of management practices through internal and external functions.

The Committee of Adjustment meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 p.m.

The Committee of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body delegated the authority for granting consents (severances) and minor variances.  

Members:
Jim Alyea

The Quinte West Economic Development, Tourism and Special Events Advisory Committee meets the 1st Thursday in February, May, August and November at 3 p.m.

This Committee  provides strategic input and advice to City Council and staff on matters pertaining to local economic development, destination development, and tourism and event service delivery in the City of Quinte West.

Members: 
Councillor Duncan Armstrong
Councillor Zack Card
Councillor Sally Freeman
Councillor Michael Kotsovos
Councillor Shelley Stedall

The Quinte West Environmental Stewardship Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of February, May, August and November at 3 p.m.

This committee guides decision-making on subjects including, but not limited to:

• Energy management
• Tree canopy
• Green technology capital
• Sustainability projects and programs
• Garbage and recycling
• Climate change

Members:
Councillor Zack Card
Councillor David McCue
Councillor David O’Neil
Councillor Karen Sharpe

The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee meets June 5 & Dec. 4, and otherwise when required, at 3 p.m.

The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee:

• Provides advice, feedback and makes recommendations to Council on issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Quinte West
• Promotes Quinte West as a welcoming city for all
• Provides perspectives to guide diverse decision-making
• Identifies barriers and proposes solutions to improve EDI in the city

Members:
Councillor Egerton Boyce
Councillor David O’Neil
Councillor Stelley Stedall
Councillor Karen Sharpe

The Heritage Advisory Committee meets May 8 and Nov. 6, and otherwise when required at 3 p.m.

The Quinte West Heritage Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to City Council on local heritage matters relating to the Ontario Heritage Act. This includes the preservation and conservation of buildings within Quinte West that have been deemed historically, culturally or architecturally significant to the community.

Members are responsible for:

• Promoting and educating local residents on heritage issues within the City
• Regularly reviewing and identifying potential heritage properties
• Advising Council on potential heritage designations

The Planning Advisory Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

The Planning Advisory Committee has been delegated the responsibility to conduct public meetings as prescribed under the Ontario Planning Act. The committee makes recommendations to Quinte West Council on a variety of planning matters such as zoning bylaw amendment applications, plans of subdivisions and/or condominiums and amendments to the Official Plan. The Committee is also the standing Heritage Advisory Committee and Property Standards Committee.

The responsibilities of the Planning Advisory Committee include: 

• Listening to the concerns of citizens and developers
• Evaluating recommendations made by staff
• Making recommendations to council regarding development applications

Members:
Councillor Jim Alyea
Councillor Zack Card
Councillor Michael Kotsovos
Councillor Don Kuntze
Councillor David McCue
Councillor David O’Neil

The Police Services Board meets the 5th Monday in January, May, August and November at 9 a.m. 

The Police Services Board is an independent Civilian Oversight Board. The Board will fulfill its provincial responsibilities, as outlined in Section 10 of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, C.P. 1, and the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, S.O, C.P 1. The Board will foster accountability by acting as the intermediary to the O.P.P and to the community by making evidence-based decisions and following best practices.

The goals of the O.P.P. detachment board are as outlined in Sections 68 to 71 of the Community Safety and Policing Act.

Members:
Councillor Michael Kotsovos
Councillor David O’Neil
Mayor Jim Harrison

The Property Standards Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday in February, May, August and November at 5 p.m.

The Property Standards Committee hears appeals by property owners or their agents who have received an Order Of The Property Standards from the City.

The Committee may confirm the Property Standards Order, modify or quash the Order, or extend the time for complying with the Order provided that in the opinion of the Committee, the general intent and purpose of the Property Standards By-Law are maintained.

Meetings are held on an as required basis and are scheduled once an appeal is received. The Committee must hold a hearing if an owner or occupant upon whom an Order has been served is not satisfied with the terms and conditions of the Order.

The Quinte West Public Library Board meets the 4th Tuesday of every month, except for July & August, at 2 p.m.

Public libraries in Ontario are governed by the Public Libraries Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter P44 and are bound by the requirements of this legislation. The Act defines how the Library Board should operate, its accountability requirements to Municipal Council and the Province, as well as its responsibilities regarding the delivery of library service. It defines the Library Board as a governing board, giving it the authority to make policy and direct the affairs of the organization.

The Library Board is the decision-making and legal authority of the organization. The Board provides strategic direction and is responsible for advocating the library as an important community resource. 

Learn more about the Quinte West Public Library Board here. 

Members:
Councillor Sally Freeman
Councillor Lynda Reid

The Quinte Economic Development Commission meets at 12 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month with a minimum of 6 meetings per year. 

The Quinte Economic Development Commission is a regional organization providing investment attraction and retention activities in the industrial and technology sectors for member municipalities. 

Members:
Councillor David O’Neil
Mayor Jim Harrison

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee meets the 4th Thursday in January, March, May, July, September and November at 3 p.m.

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee will focus on the following matters:

• Parks
• Sports fields
• Recreation facilities
• User fees
• Recreation and parks policy development
• Associated community partnerships and development initiatives

Members:
Councillor Duncan Armstrong
Councillor Egerton Boyce
Councillor Michael Kotsovos
Councillor Lynda Reid
Councillor Shelley Stedall

More information on the meeting schedule and priorities of this board will be available soon.

Members:
Councillor Karen Sharpe