Summary#

On October 19, 2026, the Community and Public Services Committee recommended that City Council approve updated terms of reference and a 2027–2028 work plan for the Family and Community Support Services Advisory Committee. The committee also directed that references to the Council priority “Quality Services” be removed from both documents. City Council approval is still required.

• The committee’s recommendation, moved by J. Wright, carried 4–0.
• The advisory committee’s mandate includes advising Council and the City Manager on community funding programs, social prevention, and the voluntary sector.
• The recommended work plan covers January 2027 to December 2028. The terms of reference set out the committee’s mandate, roles, membership, meetings, and reporting requirements.
• City staff say Council’s Governance Framework requires committees to have Council-approved terms of reference and a two-year work plan, and to report annually through standing committees.

What it means for you#

• Residents and community organizations: This decision does not itself change eligibility for funding, award decisions, or access to services. It recommends documents that guide an advisory committee.
• City Council: Council must decide whether to approve the revised terms of reference and work plan.
• The advisory committee: If Council approves them, the committee will have an approved basis for its work through 2028.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The report gives no estimate of spending, staffing costs, or other costs for the terms of reference or work plan.

What is unclear#

• The revised terms of reference and work plan are not included in the supplied material, so their specific activities, timelines, and measures cannot be assessed.
• The material does not explain why “Quality Services” references were removed or how the documents will reflect Council priorities instead.
• Council’s decision on the committee’s recommendation is not included.

Case for#

• City staff say the Governance Framework is intended to support clearer committee mandates, stronger accountability, and better alignment with Council priorities.
• A two-year work plan can set out objectives, activities, timelines, deliverables, and measures for assessing progress.
• The committee’s advice covers community funding and support for the social prevention and voluntary sectors.

Case against#

• The supplied material does not show the revised documents’ details, making it difficult to judge what the committee will prioritize or how progress will be measured.
• Removing “Quality Services” references could change how the documents connect to Council priorities; the material does not explain the effect.