The purpose of the Committee is to deal with applications and issues that require more detailed investigation than can be undertaken at the Council level. Committee of the Whole is also the venue for informal public input beyond statutorily mandated processes such as public hearings.  Staff advisors also play a key role at Committee of the Whole meetings.

The Director of Corporate Services is responsible for determining the agenda of each meeting.  The Committee makes recommendations, but decisions take effect only after formal adoption by the members sitting as Council, usually one week after the Committee meeting.

All members of Council sit on Committee of the Whole.  There are no non-elected members.

Committee of the Whole meetings are chaired by the Mayor or designate.