Frequently Asked Questions

What is a By-law?

A by-law is a type of law that applies only in the town where you live. There are many kinds of by-laws. Some control the way people act (such as by-laws about the use of property, by-laws about pets, or by-laws about business) while others control how the government acts (such as rules for meetings, rules for buying things for the government, or allowing people to sign agreements).

How is the Council elected?

Elections happen every four years. The next election will be in October, 2022. In Neebing, there are seven council members. Five are elected by the people who live in each of the five townships of Neebing and the Mayor and the Councillor-at-Large are elected by all of the people who live in Neebing.

What is a Policy?

A policy is a set of rules that people create and then follow. Policies are used for many things. Some examples of policies in Neebing are: health and safety, emergency planning, complaints and social media.

How do Council meetings work?

Neebing's Council holds its meetings on the first and third Wednesday of every month except in January, July and August where there is one meeting in the month. Meetings start at six o'clock. Council deals with many different topics at each meeting, looking at reports from staff members and letters and other information that comes in from other towns, the general public or other governments or agencies. Everything that the Council will look at for each meeting is printed up in the Council agenda, which guides the way the meetings run.

Council makes decisions through voting. One council member will 'move' a resolution and one council member will 'second' that resolution. Then the issue involved can be debated, and the Council members will vote on whether or not they agree with the action proposed in the resolution.

How can I contact a member of Council?

Each township in Neebing is a ward and each ward has a council member assigned to it, but any person in Neebing can call or email any of the members of Council or the Mayor for any matter of concern.

Can I speak at a Council meeting?

If you wish to formally address council on a matter that concerns you, you may write to Council, in care of the Clerk, and ask to speak at the meeting. If you wish to speak informally, you may attend any regular council meeting – shortly after each meeting starts, a town hall session occurs where you can speak with Council informally. Information about how to address the Council, whether formally or informally, is found on our Speaking at a council meeting page.

What do my taxes pay for in addition to local services?

Your property taxes pay for more than schools, roadwork and landfill sites. Neebing, like other towns, has to pay levies to fund other government organizations. Examples are: Superior North Emergency Medical Services (land ambulances), Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board and the Ontario Provincial Police. These organizations provide services within our municipality.