It's not magic ...

it's Meeting Mastery 



Strive To Thrive In Your Meetings

Effective meeting management is crucial for ensuring transparent governance, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring informed decisions. Course participants receive a comprehensive overview of the principles, strategies, and practical skills necessary for successfully planning, organizing, and facilitating meetings. Participants gain insight into the procedural aspects of meetings, efficient use of technology, and best practices for fostering a collaborative and productive decision making environment.

Council Orientation

Where is everything and how does it work?

The sub-heading is somewhat simplified but it does convey the need for providing clear instructions and information to newly elected  Council members. Everyone needs a compass and we begin with a basic 'you are here' approach. The process expands into explanations of provincially mandated rules that guide Council through policy development and identify where their roles lie.  Understanding jurisdictions and responsibility is key.

Learning how boards and committees can and cannot impact Council actions, and where to find the assistance and information required to do the job.   

Parliamentary Procedure -

The Local Government Version

Parliamentary Procedure is a detailed course effectively designed to provide a head to tails understanding of parliamentary procedures. We demystify what’s required to learn the principles, rules and best practices required to conduct efficient and orderly meetings. Participants take away actionable knowledge and skills that allow them to facilitate informed decisions and navigate the complexities of parliamentary law.

How to Chair  a Meeting With Confidence

"With the gavel comes great responsibility"  - unknown

This training workshop equips Council members with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently chair meetings and support effective group decision-making. Participants will learn essential principles of meeting leadership, including the Chair’s role, managing agendas and time effectively, applying parliamentary procedure and handling motions, maintaining decorum, and encouraging participation. Through real-world examples and practical tools and tips, participants will leave with increased confidence and clarity to lead productive, inclusive, and procedurally sound meetings.

Procedure By-law

Workshop

By-laws - Definitions and Applications

By-law workshops provide Council a comprehensive understanding of by-laws within municipal governance. We cover definitions, purposes, legal framework under the Ontario Municipal Act and the benefits of implementation.

Interactive sessions incorporate practical exercises that reinforce the processes required for a successful By-law creation. 

There are many moving parts in the successful construction of a by-law that is going to meet the needs of the municipality and complies with all legalities and provincial governance.

(There's a reason we cross the t's and dot the i's.)

Community Engagement

Get Your Tool Belt On

Community engagement continues to be a viable and useful tool for promoting public dialogue and information gathering. 

Often a 'third-party' organization and delivery is the best policy to avoid any concerns or bias or influence. 

Our experience spans multiple scenarios. We offer stand alone creation for required elements to devise and  execute a complete community engagement plan. In some scenarios we also collate information and/or reports  provided by specialized discipline consultants.

Based on need and methodology, we develop and execute an inclusionary process that wraps around Council and the public  to deliver clear, foundational responses to the question and/or action under discussion or review. 

Timelines and deliverables are customized with Council and staff input. Analyzed results are included in a complete report.

Governance Excellence:
Skills & Techniques

This practical, hands-on workshop gives Council members the tools and confidence to participate effectively in formal Council meetings and work productively with  Administration to achieve strategic goals. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of Council meeting procedures, parliamentary rules, and the proper way to formulate and move motions. The session also covers governance principles, meeting decorum, and fostering respectful and efficient discussions. Through real-life scenarios and interactive role-playing,  Council members will not only learn the rules but also practice applying them—ensuring they can navigate  Council meetings with professionalism, clarity, and confidence.

COMING SOON

Council-Staff Relations

By popular demand we are developing a comprehensive session that is focused on the balance and collaborative nature of relationships between members of Council and Staff. 



Watch this space.