The Municipal Administration Department is governed by provincial legislation, mainly the Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. The Administration Department provides an essential link to the public and support to Council, Boards and Committees by providing research, professional advice and by implementing Council’s decisions and maintaining the operations of the Township.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
The CAO for the Township provides advice to Council about the Township’s organization and operating procedures and is responsible for the overall administration of municipal departments. The CAO ensures that all municipal departments are providing quality service in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner.
Clerk Services
The Clerk’s Department is responsible for the provision of administrative support to the Municipality and members of Council. This would include the preparation of agendas and minutes, maintaining the record keeping system and the preparation and overall conduct of the Municipal elections process as the Returning Officer.
Lottery Licences
The Clerk can issue various licences under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Commissioner of Oath
The Clerk and Deputy Clerk may act as a Commissioner of Oath. This means that they can verify affidavits (statements in writing and on oath), statutory decisions (written statements of facts that a person signs and declares to be true) and other specific legal documents. To have a document commissioned, all parties must provide valid photo ID and sign the document in front of the Commissioner. Do not sign ahead of time or it becomes invalid. Please contact the Clerk’s Department to make an appointment ahead of time. The fee for a Commissioner of Oath is $5 plus $1 for each additional page. For pension records, this fee is waived.
NOTE: A Commissioner of Oath and a Notary Public are different. Please verify which official you require for your documentation as we can only provide a Commissioner of Oath.
Marriage Licence 
A Marriage Licence can only be issued to the applicant(s). The issuing process takes approximately thirty minutes, assuming all conditions have been met and required paperwork is provided. It is recommended that an appointment is booked in order to ensure the appropriate staff are available.
The fee for the Marriage Licence is $125.00 and it is valid for three (3) months from date of issue anywhere within the Province of Ontario. Marriage Licence fees are non-refundable.
Either Applicant may submit the completed Licence Application in order to obtain the Marriage Licence, provided that he /she presents the required identification for both parties upon signing.
A person under the age of 16 is not permitted to marry in the Province of Ontario. Parental consent is required for persons who are 16 or 17 years of age. A special consent form is available upon request.
Identification Required
Two (2) original pieces of government issued identification are required for each of the parties (photocopies are not accepted).
One of the following:
-
-
- Birth Certificate and any Change of Name Certificates
- Record of Immigrant Landing
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Permanent Resident Card
-
Together with one of the following Photo Identification:
-
-
- BYID Age of Majority Card
- Driver’s Licence
- Valid Passport
- Valid Ontario Photo Card
-
Divorce Documents
When an Applicant has been divorced and the Divorce was granted in Canada, the original or a Court Certified Copy of the Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce is required. A Copy can only be certified by the Court in which the Applicant was divorced (a photocopy will not be accepted). In the case of a Divorce granted in Quebec, the Divorce Judgment will only be accepted if it was issued before 1986.
A digital copy of a divorce certificate can be accepted if it is accompanied by the email from which it was sent by the courthouse or lawyer’s office. If this cannot be obtained, an original hard copy must be provided.
Any divorce(s) granted outside of Canada requires special authorization from the Province BEFORE the Marriage Licence application can be processed by the municipal licensing officer. If the Divorce was granted outside of Canada, please consult the Clerk’s Division for further details. The process of applying for and receiving the necessary authorization may result in a delay in the issuance of the Marriage Licence.
More information can be found on the Province’s website.
Civil Marriage Ceremony
The Clerk’s Department offers non-denominational civil marriage ceremonies. The fee for a marriage ceremony is $300. Rehearsal ceremonies are offered at a rate of $75.
Municipal Freedom of Information Requests
The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) gives individuals the right to access municipal records under the Township’s control while ensuring the protection of personal privacy. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability in how municipal decisions and services are delivered.
Basis of the Act
-
- Access rights are balanced with privacy protection.
- All paper documents, microfilm/fiche, computer files, e-mail and other forms of stored data are all considered to be records of the “institution” (i.e. the Corporation of the Township of Augusta).
- Subject to certain limitations, there is a right of access by the public to records in the Township’s custody and control.
- Subject again to certain limitations, the personal information of individuals has to be protected and is not accessible by other individuals.
Routine Disclosure
Some Township records are available without a formal request. Before submitting a formal FOI application, check if the information you need is already accessible through routine disclosure. Records such as minutes of council meetings, bylaws, and financial statements may already be posted on the Township’s website or may be made available by contacting the Clerk’s Department.
How to Submit a Request
If the information you seek is not available through routine channels, you may submit a formal FOI request. To do so:
-
- Complete the Request Form and submit it along with a $5.00 administration fee.
- Provide as many details as possible to help locate the information you’re requesting.
- Submit the form and payment to Township Clerk by email or by mail:
Township Office
Attn: Clerk’s Department
3560 County Road
Prescott, ON K0E 1T0
Once submitted, your request will generally be processed within 30 days, unless an extension is required. Additional fees may apply for search time, photocopies, or other administrative tasks.
Exemptions and Appeals
Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, such as those containing confidential or personal information. If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) within 30 calendar days of the decision.