There are 444 municipalities in Ontario. Municipalities have a broad range of powers and responsibilities under the Municipal Act, 2001 and over 100 provincial acts.

The City of Barrie operates under the framework established by the Municipal Act, 2001, which outlines the powers, duties, and structure of Ontario municipalities. This Act provides the legal basis for the city to govern itself, including enacting by-laws, managing municipal assets, and delivering services to residents

There are three types of Ontario municipalities, depending on whether they operate within a single-tier or two-tier government structure

Upper-tier and lower-tier municipalities in a two-tier structure

Two-tier structures are formed by:

• an upper-tier municipality (such as the Regional Municipality of York or the County of Huron)
• two or more lower-tier municipalities (such as the City of Richmond Hill or the Town of Goderich)

Single-tier municipalities

• a single-tier municipality (such as the City of Toronto, the City of Stratford or the County of Brant) is not part of an upper-tier municipality

See website for a list of all Ontario municipalities

Vary