The Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario was established in 1975, under the Ombudsman Act. The Ombudsman is an impartial officer of the Ontario Legislature, independent of the government and all political parties, who is appointed by an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly every five years. The Act designates the Ombudsman as the default investigator for municipalities.

The Ombudsman is a last-resort option for members of the public to bring forward unresolved complaints when all other internal complaint processes have been exhausted. The municipal Ombudsman is an impartial investigator who makes recommendations to improve public services.

The municipal Ombudsman will:

  • Independently receive, review and investigate complaints when all other avenues have been exhausted; and
  • Act at an arm's length from the City and Council but will provide an annual report of its activities as well as reports resulting from investigations.

If you have a complaint:

  • Have you already contacted the municipality about the problem? If not, the municipal Ombudsman may refer you back to the appropriate local officials. Help will be provided if the issue is not responded to.
  • Can you provide information about the issue and the steps you've taken to address the problem?

Contact the Ontario Ombudsman
https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/contact-us
1-800-263-1830