Legal and Legislative Services (Clerk’s Office)

Legal and Legislative Services carries out a variety of duties for The Corporation of the Town of Essex, as defined by the Municipal Act and as directed by Council.

As a representative of the Office of the Registrar General, the division processes and issues marriage licences and death registrations on behalf of the Province of Ontario. Lottery licence applications are also processed through this office. The Municipal Clerk is also responsible for the administration and conduct of the Municipal Elections, in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, and various duties performed in accordance with the Drainage Act.

The Legislative Services function provides secretariat services to Council and its committees and boards, including the preparation of Council meeting agendas, recording of minutes, distribution of communications resulting from Council proceedings, and the management of municipal by-laws. The Legislative Services function also manages the safekeeping of corporate records and is responsible for municipal licensing, municipal elections, and Freedom of Information requests.

The Legal Services function provides legal advice and support to Town Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and departments on Town-related matters. This also includes coordinating representation before the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), and the Provincial and Superior Courts. The Legal Services function also coordinates corporate insurance and risk management.

For more information about Legal and Legislative Services, please visit the following pages: