Introduction

  • The Northern Services Boards Act (NSBA) and Regulation 737 govern the establishment of Local Services Boards (LSBs). LSBs provide basic services called “powers” in some unincorporated areas in Northern Ontario without municipal organization.
  • The purpose of this guide (the “Guide”) is to assist Inhabitants (as defined in section 1 of the NSBA) and elected members of the board (“board members”) by providing them with information on the operation of an LSB.
  • The Guide contains information on ministry policy as well as suggestions and best practices for LSBs on operational processes.
  • In the event of any inconsistencies between the Guide and the NSBA, the NSBA will take precedence.

Disclaimer: This Guide is for information only and is not intended as legal advice or to be a complete statement of the law governing local services boards. LSBs may wish to consult a lawyer or other appropriate advisor for specific advice on the laws applicable to local services boards.

Updates: Link to the Northern Services Boards Act Northern Services Boards Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.28 | ontario.ca

Description

  • An LSB is an entity established under the NSBA with the authority to deliver any combination of 8 approved powers (the “Powers”) within a specific geographic area (the “Board area”). LSBs are established in unincorporated areas of Northern Ontario that lack municipal organization.
  • Unless specified by regulation, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 does not apply to LSBs (NSBA, subsection 6(1)).
  • An LSB has either 3 or 5 board members. The term of office of a board member is 3 years from October 1st in any year to September 30th, 3 years later, unless the minister orders otherwise (NSBA, section 5). Where a full board is not elected at the election meeting, a board election (bi-election) should be called as soon as possible to fill the vacant position.
  • Board members are elected every 3 years between the 1st of August and the 30th of September (NSBA, section 19).
  • Each board elects 1 of its elected board members as the Chair at the first meeting for that fiscal year, and no later than the 10th of October (NSBA, section 21). Additionally, the board is required to appoint a secretary in accordance with section 14 of the NSBA.