Challinor, Minakakis Collaborate To Sharpen Milton Council’s Focus
Town of Milton Ward 2 Local Councillor John Challinor II and Town of Milton Ward 1 Local Councillor George Minakakis successfully collaborated on a motion that will see Milton Council focus on its core responsibilities under the Ontario Municipal Act and rule out of order any proposed discussions that do not pertain to Council business.
Moved by Mr. Minakakis and seconded by Mr. Challinor, the motion was recently unanimously approved by Council. Town staff will now amend the Town’s Procedural Bylaw to add the phrase, “ultra vires,” which is defined as “beyond legal power or authority.”
The Act defines the role of Council as being in a municipal government context, which is to represent the public, consider the municipal corporation’s well-being, develop related policies, programs and services, and ensure administrative policies are in place.
“Over the last three years in particular, Council had started to drift away from its core responsibilities — to the point where an unfortunate matter raised by a member of Council on November 3, 2025, generated legal, operational and reputational risk to the community,” explained Mr. Challinor. “The passage of this motion has resulted in Council re-affirming its commitment to the principals of the Ontario Municipal Act and the Town of Milton’s Procedural Bylaws.” CR
The Act defines the role of Council as being in a municipal government context, which is to represent the public, consider the municipal corporation’s well-being, develop related policies, programs and services, and ensure administrative policies are in place.
“Over the last three years in particular, Council had started to drift away from its core responsibilities — to the point where an unfortunate matter raised by a member of Council on November 3, 2025, generated legal, operational and reputational risk to the community,” explained Mr. Challinor. “The passage of this motion has resulted in Council re-affirming its commitment to the principals of the Ontario Municipal Act and the Town of Milton’s Procedural Bylaws.” CR