Departments

The Chief Administrative Officer's Office plays an important role in efficient operations of a municipality.  The CAO is appointed by Council as the administrative head of the municipality and reports directly to Council.  The CAO is responsible for providing

Some of the duties of the CAO's Office include:

• Providing Council and staff with expert and professional advice
• Ensuring that Council directions and decisions are effectively operationalized and adhered to
• Providing strategic vision and effective leadership to the whole organization
• Administrative representation to the community
• Advising and informing Council on the operation and affairs of the municipality
• Making recommendations to Council on a broad range of policies, strategic and administrative issues
• Ensuring fiscal responsibility of the municipality
• Human Resources, including employee development and effective team building
• Exercising the powers and carrying out the duties and functions as assigned by Council and statutory authority
• Directing the overall planning, coordination and control of all municipal operations in accordance with the objectives, policies and plans approved by Council and relevant legislation
• Accountable for fiscal responsibility of the corporation's financial, physical and human resources in the delivery of services, in a manner that is consistent with service standards that have been approved within annual budgets
• Oversees day-to-day operations for all departments and coordinates administrative interaction with various operating agencies

Contact CAO's Office

is responsible for:

• By-law Enforcement
• Vital Statistics (burial permits, civil ceremonies, marriage licenses)
• Council secretariat
• Records Management
• IT
• Customer Service
• Freedom of Information (MFIPPA)
• Lottery Licensing (Raffle, Bingo and Nevada)
• Municipal Donation/Grant Program
• Municipal Elections

Contact Clerk's Department

Is responsible for:

• preparation of operating and capital budgets
• financial planning
• asset management
• implementation of financial controls
• financial reporting
• accounts receivable and payable
• procurement practices
• calculation of property taxes

Is responsible for the following:

• Providing protection and emergency services to persons and property through the provision of an efficient and effective fire service;
• Contributing to public safety through a range of programs including inspections and education designed to protect lives and property from the adverse effects caused from sudden emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by persons or nature. 

The Parks and Recreation Department provides for the following services:

• Indoor Facility and Outdoor Amenity Rentals
• Recreation Programing and community events
• Maintenance, repair, and upkeep for over 26 Parks including: Canoe/Kayak Boat Launch,  3 Splash Pads, 4 Outdoor Enclosed Hockey Rinks, 4 Trails, 2 Recreation Centres.
• The development and improvement of Parkland, Amenities, and Facilities
• All grass cutting procedures within Township Parks
• Township beautification and improvement projects

Contact Parks and Recreation 

The Planning Department is responsible for:

• Developing a long-term vision for the protection of Agricultural and Rural lands as well as Natural Heritage features alongside establishing a framework for high quality, sustainable and phased growth in Essa Township.  This is accomplished through with plans, strategies and policies that shape the look and overall design of the municipality that is reminiscent of the past and respective of growth management for the future.  
• Ensuring that growth complies with the strategies and plans already established by the municipality, county, and province
• Enforcement of the municipality's Property Standards By-law and the Zoning By-law
• Reviewing applications for, and providing recommendations to Council on Plans of Subdivision/Condominium, Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Site Plan Control, Part Lot Control, Holding Provisions and Zoning compliance for Building Permit Applications
• Administering Committee of Adjustment of applications for Minor Variances and Consents (severances) and supporting Hearings
• Inquiries on general land use planning matters

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The Building Department falls under the umbrella of the Planning and Development Department.  Inspectors are responsible for:

• Issuance and revocation of Permits and Orders for construction, renovations (buildings, fences, pools, designates structures, etc.), and demolitions
• Regulatory compliance of Property Standards

The Public Works Department oversees municipal and public services including:

• Road Maintenance and Reconstruction
• Municipal Water, Storm and Sanitary Sewer Services
• Roadside Weed Control
• Entrance and Road Occupancy Permits​
• Township Signage and Traffic Control
• Street Lighting
• Subdivision Construction Review
• Municipal Engineering Standards
• 9-1-1 Municipal Addressing/Maintenance
• Ditches, Road Shoulders and Bridges
• Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance
• Winter Control
• Municipal Drains and Maintenance
• Traffic Calming Measures/Methods
• Engineering Services
• Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping

Contact Public Works Department