Council's Time Commitments

All mandatory training must be completed by all elected officials In-person participation for orientation and training is required. Telephone or videoconferencing will not be available

The term of office for an elected official is four years. Following the election and after taking the official oath of office, there are obligations for ALL elected officials:

Organizational meetings

Onboarding

Orientation and governance training

Alberta Emergency Management training for elected officials

Other training as required

How much time does the Mayor typically spend on Council business each week?

The Mayor’s term of office is four years. The position of Mayor is a full-time commitment and requires a regular presence in the office during business hours. The Mayor’s time is spent working closely with Council, senior administration and community representatives to develop plans and strategies important to the Municipality’s business and to help resolve issues which arise in the community.

How much time do Councillors typically spend on Council business each week?

A Councillor’s term of office is four years. Serving as a Councillor is considered a part-time position, though there are often additional time commitments besides meetings.

It’s expected that Councillors will be required to spend a minimum of 20 - 25 hours per week on Council business during the 2025-29 term of office:

Evening Meetings: 3 regular meetings per month (there may be additional special meetings)

Daytime Meetings: 1 full day per month

Weekend Meetings: 1 full day per quarter

Meeting Preparation: 3 - 6 hours per week (depending on agenda content)

Additional time commitments for members of Council

In addition to Council meetings, Councillors may be appointed to Boards and Committees, attend conferences and go to community events:

Municipal Boards and Committees meetings (often held outside regular working hours - evenings or weekends)

Councillors are expected to participate in annual and bi-annual conferences held by provincial organizations, if the Municipality is a member of those organizations.

Councillors are also invited to multiple community events – which are not mandatory, but can add to the time commitment depending on the number of invitations and type of events that are accepted by the individual Councillor.

Are Councillors able to remain on Municipal boards or committees?

If you were appointed as a public member to a Municipal board or committee, you would be deemed resigned if elected to Council.

There are a number of Municipal boards and committees that have Council representation, which may be as a voting member or a non-voting Council liaison. The Candidate Information Guide contains information on Council representation on the various committees. For further information on Council-appointed boards and committees, please visit www.rmwb.ca/boards

In accordance with governing legislation, elected officials cannot be members of tribunals – Assessment Review Board, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and Community Standards Appeal Committee.

Post-election mandatory training and orientation

There are additional time commitment obligations for all elected officials immediately following the election, such as:

Organizational meetings

Orientation and onboarding

Governance and mandatory Alberta Emergency Management training for elected officials

Other training as required

PULSE
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Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663