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
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