Advisory Committee and Board members contribute to the development of policies, procedures and initiatives by providing their expertise to the Mayor and Council.  These groups work with Council to improve services and programs for the community.

The City of Cambridge has more than eighteen Advisory Committees and Boards, ranging in scope from economic development to arts and culture to environment.  A full list of Advisory Committees and Boards can be found below.

NEW - Landlord Water Billing Task Force

At the July 16th, 2024 Council meeting Council passed a motion directing staff to establish a task force to review water billing practices. A link to the original report can be found here.

Motion:

THAT report 24-037-CRS Landlord Tenant Water Account Review be received;

AND THAT Council in partnership with staff establish a Task Force to review the proposed options as outlined in 24-037-CRS Landlord Tenant Water Account Review as well as similar programs offered in Kitchener and Waterloo;

AND THAT the task force be mandated to provide feedback on the proposed program, implementation timeline and costing in comparison to other similar programs, and explore any potential efficiencies;

AND THAT the Mayor select 3 Council representatives to participate on the Task Force;

AND THAT Council select the following composition of Cambridge citizens 2 tenants, 2 landlords and 2 citizens that are non-landlord property owners to sit on the Task Force;

AND THAT staff act as the lead organizer for the Task Force and be directed to report back on the findings of the task force within the first quarter of 2025 or earlier.

This Task Force is anticipated to meet a maximum of 4-6 times between September and November 2024 with members of Council and City staff.

Applications for this have now closed, thank you for your interest.

The following committees and boards have vacancies that need to be filled for the 2022-2026 term of Council. 

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee: Six (6) committee members from the community at large (note: 50 per cent of committee members must be persons living with a disability); three (3) agency representatives and two (2) alternate members
  • Arthur White Sports Bursary: Two (2) committee members and two (2) alternate members
  • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee: One (1) alternate member
  • Committee of Adjustment: One (1) committee member and 2 alternate members
  • Cultural Awards Committee: One (1) alternate member
  • Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee: Two (2) alternate members
  • General Appeals Committee: One (1) alternate member
  • Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee: One (1) voting committee member and one (1) alternate member.
  • Youth Advisory Committee: Nine (9) committee members and two (2) alternate members under the age of 21.

See 'How to Apply' section below to submit your application. 

General information on what the committee is responsible for, who the staff liaison is and links to past agendas and minutes can be found for most committees.  To learn more about Advisory Committees and Boards in general, view our brochure. 

For any questions relating to the City's Advisory Committees and Boards please contact us at clerks@cambridge.ca.

How to Apply

To apply for an Advisory Committee or Board, please fill out an application form. Applications will only be accepted when a committee vacancy is advertised. Application forms are also available in person at the Clerk's Office. Applications can be made for multiple committees on separate forms. All appointed members are required to act in accordance with the City of Cambridge's Code of Conduct for Local Boards and Advisory Committees.

*Please note that some committees and boards require a police check. 

To learn about upcoming Board and/or Committee meetings, view our Council and Committee Calendar.

City of Cambridge Committees and Boards

The City of Cambridge has nine Council-Appointed Advisory Committees that provide feedback and input to Council. 

The City of Cambridge partners with two local Boards. 

The City of Cambridge has six Other Committees.  

Resources 

Code of Conduct for Local Boards and Advisory Committees

Barrier-Free Community Brochure

Procedural By-law 23-035

23-084-CRS Appendix A - Advisory Committee Appointment Policy AMD045

Committees Currently Under Review

Cambridge 50+ Advisory Board

The Cambridge 50+ Advisory Board provides an opportunity for the four Cambridge Seniors Centres and tri-centre clubs and committees to communicate on matters related to older adults in the community and seniors services provided by the City. The Committee:

  • Discusses common issues
  • Recommends policies
  • Advises City staff on matters related to seniors and seniors services

Staff Liaison: Nicole Cichello, Supervisor of Recreation - Older Adult Services

View the Terms of Reference of the Cambridge 50+ Advisory Board. 

View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Seniors Central Advisory Committee.
Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee

The Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee advises and assists the City in promoting and facilitating the safety, inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing of Cambridge residents through the guiding principles of Engage, Empower, and Educate.

The Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee provides advice to Council and City staff on complex social issues impacting City policies, programs, services, and strategies, providing actionable advice on the development of integrated community programs and strategies to address those issues.

There are 4 subcommittees of CWAC: 

  • Homelessness and Affordable Housing: to research and identify needs, gaps, and innovative solutions to address affordable housing and homelessness in Cambridge
  • Mental Health and Substance Use: to research the impact of mental health and problematic substance use, identify current systems and organizations of support, gaps and barriers in these systems, and ways to overcome those barriers
  • Community Safety: to understand community safety concerns from the Cambridge community, gather facts about community safety, identify resources and innovative solutions.
  • Opportunities for Youth and Older Adults: to make recommendations to the CWAC on current needs, gaps, and opportunities for youth and older adults in support of wellbeing.

 

View the Terms of Reference of the Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee 

View the Terms of Reference for the Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee.