After months of deliberation, council members signed off on the city's first code of conduct.
The code sets out guidelines for the "ethical and interpersonal conduct of members of council" and was first suggested as part of the core services review process.
The policy aims to complement existing legislation that governs municipal government officials, such as the Community Charter and the Local Government Act. It includes stipulations such as acting in the public interest, respecting process, making decisions based on merit, sharing information and creating a positive workplace environment.
"I live up to this any ways, whether I sign it or not. But it's good to have and live up to it and be reminded that we have it," said Coun. Albert Koehler.
There was a lot of goodwill that went into the code of conduct development process, said Coun. Dave Wilbur, to ensure the document was transparent for the public.
"I think that's an absolute need not just with our local government but local governments across the grid," he said.
In addition to approving the policy, the mayor and each councillor in attendance signed their own personalized member statements agreeing to conduct themselves in accordance with the policy.
