Any individual who has identified or witnessed behaviour or activity by a member that appears to be in contravention of the Code may address their concerns in the following manner:

• Advise the member that their behaviour or activity contravenes the Code;
• Encourage the member to stop the prohibited behaviour or activity;
• Keep a written record of the incidents including dates, times, locations, other persons present, and any other relevant information, including steps taken to resolve the matter;
• If applicable, confirm to the member your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with his or her response to the concern identified.

See City Council contact information. For committee or board members' contact information please contact Legislative & Court Services at 705-726-4220 x5500 or CityClerks@barrie.ca.

A complainant may ask the Integrity Commissioner to be part of an informal discussion with the Council, committee or board member to resolve the issue. The Integrity Commissioner can be reached at 705-739-4220 x5425 or integrity.commission@barrie.ca.

If not satisfied with the response received through the informal procedure, an individual may proceed with a formal complaint through the Integrity Commissioner as outlined below. It is not necessary to file an informal complaint before a formal one.

Formal complaints must be filed by submitting the Formal Complaint Form/Affidavit to integrity.commission@barrie.ca. The form must contain the following:

• All names of the complainant and alleged Council Member(s)
• An explanation outlining the alleged violation
• Any witnesses or evidence in support of a complaint

The Integrity Commissioner may recommend and facilitate an informal complaint procedure, even if a formal complaint has been filed.

Once the formal complaint procedure begins, the Council, board, or committee member is given a copy of the complaint and asked to respond in writing, with a copy of this response provided to the complainant. The procedure can include an interview between the complainant and Integrity Commissioner.

Generally, within 90 days of filing the complaint, the Integrity Commissioner will submit a report to City Council detailing violations of the Code and her recommendations. Once the report has been reviewed, City Council will determine what actions will be taken.

Notice of Collection

The Council and Committee Member Code of Conduct authorizes the City of Barrie to collect personal information from any communication with committees or City Council. The City collects this information to make informed decisions on relevant issue(s). If letters, faxes, emails, presentations or other communications are submitted to the City, the content and the sender’s contact information will become part of the public record. If there is a health and/or public safety reason that this information should not be made public, send a request to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner by emailing integrity.commission@barrie.ca.