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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 96-05PICKERING REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Report Number: CS 96-05 Date: December 12, 2005 From: Gillis Paterson Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer Subject: Solemnization of Marriages Recommendation: 1. That Report CS 96-05 of the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer be received; That the City Clerk and Deputy Clerk be authorized to provide civil marriage solemnization services; That the fee for the civil marriage service be set at $250.00; That the service be monitored for a six month period with a further report to Council; That a by-law be forwarded to Council authorizing the performance of civil marriages for the City of Pickering; and That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto. Executive Summary: On September 24, 2004, the Minister of Consumer and Business Services announced changes to regulations under the Marriage Act that authorized municipal Clerks, including Deputy Clerks, to perform civil marriages. Municipalities, through the passage of an appropriate resolution or by-law, now have the option to offer civil marriages as a municipal service if they so choose and to set fees to recover the cost of providing this service. Should a municipality choose to provide this service, the Municipal Clerk may delegate the responsibility to perform these marriages to any person, other than a member of council, under the authority of Subsection 228 (4) of the Municipal Act. Report CS 96-05 December 12, 2005 Solemnization of Marriages Page 2 Financial Implications: It is difficult to estimate the level of interest for this City offered service, however, such inquiries are received on a regular basis. The Town of Ajax and the Municipality of Clarington are each charging a $250.00 fee to provide this service. The cost of the ceremony does not include the $100.00 Marriage Licence fee. It is proposed that the City of Pickering's fee for the marriage ceremony service should be $250.00. Background: On September 24, 2004, the Minister of Consumer and Business Services announced changes to regulations under the Marriage Act that authorized Municipal Clerks, including Deputy Clerks, to perform civil marriages. Previously only Judges and Justices of the Peace were allowed to solemnize civil marriages. During recent years, these court officials have been directed to focus on their court-related duties, thereby reducing access to the civil marriage service. In an effort to increase access to civil marriages in Ontario, the provincial government announced this regulatory amendment. For various reasons, the number of civil marriages in the Province is on the increase and, it is difficult to determine the demand the City would have for this service. In opting into this service, Council can set parameters under which the services will be provided, ie, hours, location, fee. It should also be understood that the Ontario Government states that if a municipality opts in, the municipality must offer the service to everyone who is eligible to be married. Also it must be understood that the civil marriage is not to be a religious marriage. It is recommended that civil marriages be performed Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in the Council Chambers and the Gazebo (availability/weather permitting) and that the fee for civil marriages be set at $250.00. There will be three (3) standard ceremonies for the couple to choose from and further, a meeting with the City Clerk or Deputy Clerk be mandatory with the couple prior to the wedding ceremony. Staff will monitor the first six months of the service and report back to Council to determine what adjustments should be made and whether the service should be continued. Once Council has passed the by-law, the Province must provide documentation prior to any marriages being solemnized. It is suggested that the City of Pickering offer the new service effective March 1, 2006. Report CS 96-05 Solemnization of Marriages December 12, 2005 Page 2 Prepared By: Debi A. Bentley City Clerk Approved / Endorsed By: Gillis A. Paterson Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Recommended for the consideration of Pickering C i,y ~/o)uncl, ,~ ,, ;? :.....------~'""--'~ I. · ~'a' 's'~.' '~I~, Ch~e~~a' t~ve O~i'¢er CORP0227-07/01