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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.
The City is currently recruiting for and has vacancies on a number of it's Advisory Committees. To find out which committees are accepting applications please click on the committee name below.
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 |
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To apply for an Advisory Committee or Board, please fill out an application form. 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.
| Accessibility Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Cambridge Accessibility Advisory Committee advises Council on matters specific to accessibility, to enhance and improve community services for those residents living with a disability. We manage accessibility planning in accordance with Ontario accessibility laws and standards and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Staff Liaison: Robyn Hyland, Inclusion Coordinator View the Terms of Reference of the Accessibility Advisory Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Current Vacancies: Up to 16, the majority of whom shall be persons with disabilities and up to 4 representing community agencies/organizations
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| Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund Committee | ||||||
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The Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund Committee provides financial assistance to:
The basic source of funds is from the interest earned from a capital fund, which is held and invested as a Trust Account by the City of Cambridge. The City issues receipts for contributions to the fund, in accordance with Federal Income Tax requirements. The Trustees have full authority in distributing the income of the fund. They also have the right to encroach on capital, subject to the conditions stated herein. Learn about the awards and bursaries related to the Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund. Staff Liaison: Don Crowder, Recreation Coordinator - Sports View the Terms of Reference of the Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund Committee.
Current Vacancies: 3 |
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| Arts and Culture Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee makes recommendations and advises Council on matters related to arts and cultural activities in the community. The Committee also prepares an annual report to Council about the past year's arts and culture activity, including changes recommended for the current terms of reference, by October 31st of each year. Encouraging cooperation between groups, institutions and individuals involved with arts and culture in Cambridge, the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee helps make decisions to enhance arts and culture opportunities to improve the quality of life for future generations. Staff Liaison: Wanda Schaefer-Stilling, Supervisor of Arts, Recreation and Culture View the Terms of Reference of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
Current Vacancies: Up to 13, 4 representing Arts Organizations in Cambridge |
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| Business Improvement Area (BIA) Boards | ||||||
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**Appointments to the City's BIA's were made by Council at it's meeting of November 29, 2022. No further applications are being accepted at this time.
The City of Cambridge has three Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) located within the three Core Areas of Cambridge. A BIA is a Council-approved area made up of a community of businesses, as defined by each BIA's bylaw. Through an elected Board of Managers, BIAs develop and carry out programs to improve, beautify, and market their area. They promote the businesses within the community and bring in customers. BIA programs may include:
BIAs ensure that their area is well known by the public as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, and to work and live. View our BIA Handbook for more information Staff Liaison: Laura Pearce, Senior Economic Development Officer
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| Cambridge 50+ Advisory Board | ||||||
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**This Committee is Currently Under Review, applications are not being accepted at this time
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:
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. |
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| Cambridge Farmers' Market Committee | ||||||
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The Cambridge Farmers' Market Committee advises Council on strategies and policies to support the Cambridge Farmers' Market and McIntyre Place. The Committee also oversees the implementation of the Cambridge Farmers' Market Strategic Plan. Staff Liaison: Alix Aitken, Market Manager View the Terms of Reference of the Cambridge Farmers' Market Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Cambridge Farmers' Market Committee.
Current Vacancies: Up to 11 as per below
4 Members representing Market Vendors 4-6 Representatives of the community at large 1 Representative of the Cambridge Business Improvement Association |
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| Citizen Committee on Council Compensation | ||||||
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**Appointments to this Committee were made in June of 2022, no new applications are being accepted at this time.
The Province of Ontario through the Municipal Act, 2001 delegates City Council the authority to set its remuneration. Each term of Council, a Citizen Committee for Council Compensation is established to act as an independent body charged with reviewing and bringing forward recommended changes on renumeration, benefits and expenses for members of Council as well as any other additional policies for the offices of Mayor and Council. Recommendations made by the committee are applied to the incoming term of Council. This Terms of Reference will guide the committee in their role to advise Council on their findings and recommendations for remuneration for performing duties of their office and reimbursement of expenses that they incur in fulfilling their responsibilities for the City of Cambridge. Mandate The Citizen Committee will be supported by staff from Human Resources, Finance and Clerk and will provide recommendations to City Council regarding renumeration, benefits and expenses for Members of Council as well as any other additional policies for the offices of Mayor and Council. The Citizen Committee will complete a review of these areas and research best practices and make recommendations to inform the next term of Council being 2022-2026. Goals and Objectives The role of the committee is to review, research, consider and evaluate all aspects of compensation that it believes to be relevant to making recommendations. The committee is asked to specifically consider the following:
Committee Composition The committee will consist of five (5) members of the public appointed by City Council.
The Chair of the committee will be chosen by the members at its first meeting. Members of the committee will undertake to attend each meeting as required and the committee will remain in force until Council approves recommendations on these matters, or such time as the committee is formally disbanded. In the event a member is unable or unwilling to continue to serve, a replacement will be appointed by the City Clerk from the expressions of interest previously received. The members of the committee, including the Chair, shall serve in a volunteer capacity only with no remuneration other than for reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings.
Term The committee will be established by April 2022 and will attempt to make its recommendations in respect of compensation for Council by June, 2022. The committee will remain in force until City Council approves recommendations on City Council remuneration or such time as the committee is formally disbanded by City Council.
Reporting The committee will report to City Council through the City Clerk who will present a covering report of the recommendations from the committee. All agenda and minutes of the committee will be posted on Cambridge.ca.
Meetings The committee will meet a minimum of 4 times prior to May 31, 2022. Meetings will be called by the Clerk in consultation with the Chair.
Staff Resources The Chief Financial Officer or designate, the City Clerk, Administrative Assistant to the City Clerk and the Director of Human Resources or designate will act as support for the committee. View the Terms of Reference of the Citizen Committee on Council Compensation
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| Committee of Adjustment | ||||||
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The Committee of Adjustment is a citizens group appointed by Council and governed by the Planning Act. The Committee makes decisions on applications for the following:
To learning more about the Committee of Adjustment, the application process and meeting schedule please view the Committee of Adjustment Information Brochure. Staff Liaison: Edmund Carlson, Recording Secretary to Committee of Adjustment View the Terms of Reference of the Committee of Adjustment View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Committee of Adjustment.
Current Vacancies: 5
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| Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee | ||||||
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**This committee is currently under review, applications are not being accepted at this time
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:
View the Terms of Reference of the Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee View the Terms of Reference for the Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee.
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| Cultural Awards Committee | ||||||
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The Cultural Awards Committee administers the distribution of awards and expenses of the Bernice Adams Memorial Fund which honours former Alderman Bernice Adams. The Fund provides assistance to individuals or groups within the communications, arts and culture fields. The Committee recognizes special achievements of individuals or groups at the City of Cambridge's annual Bernice Adams Memorial Awards Event. Learn more by viewing our Events Calendar. Staff Liaison: Nancy Movrin, Recreation Coordinator View the Terms of Reference of the Cultural Awards Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Cultural Awards Committee.
Current Vacancies: 5
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| Economic Development Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) advises Council on economic development strategies and policies. The Committee also offers a forum for discussion and coordination of economic development initiatives and programs with other community groups and agencies. Staff Liaison: James Goodram, Director of Economic Development View the meeting agendas and minutes of the EDAC.
Current Vacancies: 1 Community Member
The Committee's composition is as follows: 7 Representatives of local businesses, industry and labour 1 Community member 1 Member from Preston BIA 1 Member from Downtown Cambridge BIA 1 Member from the Hespeler BIA 1 Member from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 1 Member from the Arts and Culture Committee
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| Environmental Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC) advises Council on ways to protect, maintain and enhance the natural environment. The CEAC coordinates community efforts through the City Green Strategy and Cambridge Stewardship. Staff Liaison: Kathy Padgett, Senior Planner - Environment View the Terms of Reference of the Environmental Advisory Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the CEAC.
Current Vacancies: 10
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Cambridge City Green |
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Cambridge City Green is a subcommittee of the CEAC. Working with communities, schools and business groups, Cambridge City Green volunteers help support various environmental projects in Cambridge. This subcommittee also holds its own environmental events, including:
Interested in Cambridge City Green events? Join our MeetUP to receive online information and updates of City Green activities.
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General Appeals Committee |
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The General Appeals Committee is a new quasi-judicial body comprised of five (5) citizen members that meets once per month to hear appeals made to a Property Standards Order that was issued by a Property Standards Officer of the City of Cambridge and orders to Muzzle a Dog issued by an Animal Control Officer of the City of Cambridge.
The Committee operates under the authority of the Statutory Powers and Procedure Act and may confirm, modify or rescind Property Standards and Dog Muzzle Orders, or in the case of Property Standards matters, may extend the time for compliance.
The decisions of the General Appeals Committee may be appealed to the Superior Court of Justice.
Members of the General Appeals Committee will receive remuneration in the amount of $80 per meeting and should have experience with legal tribunal governance, land use, real estate or experience relative to the by-laws the committee will hear.
View the Terms of Reference of the General Appeals Committee.
Current Vacancies: 5 |
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Grants Review Committee |
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**This Committee does not include citizen representation on it, no applications are being accepted at this time.
The Grants Review Committee reviews all applications from community non-profit organizations for municipal financial assistance. The Committee also recommends levels of funding, based on their assessment process, to General Committee of Council. For inquiries contact cfo@cambridge.ca View the Terms of Reference of the Grants Review Committee. View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Grants Review Committee.
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| Library Board | ||||||
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**Please note that the Library's application deadline to apply to the Library Board for the 2022-2026 Term of Council was October 31, 2022. Appointments were ratified at the Council Meeting of Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
The Library Board manages, regulates and controls the Cambridge Public Libraries carrying on business as Idea Exchange under the terms and conditions of the Public Libraries Act. Members of this Board must be:
Staff Liaison: Helen Kelly, Idea Exchange Chief Executive Officer Learn more about the Library Board here. View the Terms of Reference of the Library Board View the meeting agendas and minutes of the Library Board.
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| Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee | ||||||
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**This Committee is a Joint Committee and appointments were made in June of 2022. No applications are being accepted at this time.
A joint Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee (MECAC) has been established by the Region of Waterloo, Cities of Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo and Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich. When an application for a compliance audit is received, a meeting is held in the applicable municipality. The Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee (MECAC) reviews all applications filed in accordance with Section 81 of the Municipal Elections Act (MEA). Section 81 allows an elector to apply for a compliance audit of a candidate's election campaign finances if they believe that the candidate has broken any regulations outlined in the MEA. City meeting procedures and MEA regulations must be followed when applying for an audit. Any application which does not meet the legislative deadline for submission will not be presented to the Committee for review. Staff Liaison: Danielle Manton, City Clerk View the Terms of Reference of the Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee.
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| Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) advises and assists Council on matters related to the Ontario Heritage Act (Part 4 and 5). The MHAC also assists Council with the implementation of policies and programs related to the Built Heritage Resources, such as the City of Cambridge's Official Plan. Staff Liaisons: Laura Waldie, Heritage Planner and Jeremy Parsons, Heritage Planner View the Terms of Reference of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the MHAC.
Current Vacancies: 7
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| Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee | ||||||
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The Cambridge Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee (CCTAC) advises Council on policy, planning, development and implementation of public trails and related off-road and on-road cycling and active transportation facilities. The Committee's main goal is to implement the recommendations of the following plans: Staff Liaison: Claire Mcloughlin, Landscape Architect and Lisa Chominiec, Sustainable Transportation Coordinator View the Terms of Reference of the Cycling and Trails Advisory Committee View the meeting agendas and minutes of the CTAC.
Current Vacancies: 8
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| Youth Advisory Committee of Council | ||||||
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The Youth Advisory Committee of Council (YACC) works with the City of Cambridge Community Services department to raise awareness and organize positive youth action within our community. The YACC also gives input about youth programs to help evaluate existing programs and establish new programs. The Committee actively seeks input and involvement from youth in the community. Staff Liaison: Jennifer Blanchard, Recreation Coordinator - Youth View the Terms of Reference of the Youth Advisory Committee of Council View the meeting agendas and minutes of the YACC.
Current Vacancies: Up to 12 between 13-21 years of age |