Town of Caledon officially launches Lobbyist Registry

Riley Murphy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen

The Town of Caledon has officially launched a Lobbyist Registry, a tool designed to help make local government more transparent and accountable.

The Lobbyist Registry is available online and provides residents with easy access to information about who is lobbying with Council, Committee of Adjustment members, Property Standards Committee members, and statutorily appointed staff.

It will now be publicly documented who is lobbying public officeholders.

The registry will include details such as who is lobbying, who they are lobbying to, the topic and subject matter, and the date the lobbying activity took place.

“Lobby” or “lobbying,” according to the Town of Caledon, means “any communication with a public office holder not otherwise exempted under Part 5 of the By-law by an individual who represents a business or financial interest with the goal of trying to influence any legislative action including development, introduction, passage, defeat, amendment or repeal of a by-law, motion, resolution, or the outcome of a decision on any matter before Council, a Committee of Council, or a staff member acting under delegated authority.”

Kevin Klingenberg, Municipal Clerk for the Town of Caledon, who will serve as the Town’s Lobbyist Registrar, shared in a statement that the Registry ensures transparency in the Town of Caledon’s decisions.

“It’s a milestone of service excellence and accountability enhancement for the public in alignment with the Town’s Strategic Plan implementation,” said Klingenberg.

The Registry is for those who communicate with members of the Council or senior staff representing a business or financial interest to influence legislation.

“Open and transparent local government is a cornerstone of democracy,” said Mayor Annette Groves in a statement. “This new Registry will give the public insight into the decisions being made at Council and help ensure that all voices are heard fairly and equally.”

As of July 1, 2025, anyone participating in lobbying as defined by the Lobbyist Registry By-law, must register within ten days of communicating with a public office holder.

The Lobbyist Registry By-law, formally known as By-law No. 2025-010, can be found in its entirety on the Town’s official website.

Councillor Dave Sheen shared with The Citizen that as the Councillor for Ward 2, he is happy to express full support for the Registry.

“This important tool marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust in local government,” said Councillor Sheen.

He said the Registry ensures the public can easily access information about who communicates with Town officials, on what issues, and on whose behalf.

“By making this information available, we are reinforcing our commitment to open and ethical decision-making, a value that is at the heart of good governance,” said Councillor Sheen. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated Town staff who worked hard to develop the registry and provide comprehensive training to Council and committee members. Their professionalism and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life and ensuring its successful rollout.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this registry will have on our community, and I encourage all residents to make use of this new resource.”

For more information, those can visit www.caledon.ca/lobbyistregistry or email lobbyistregistry@caledon.ca.

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