At the beginning of each term of Council applications are invited through public notice of appointments to the Town's various boards and committees. The following represents the appointees for the term 2004-2006.
Board and Committee List
2 - How do I obtain a marriage licence?
Who may marry? Any person who is at least 18 years of age may marry. The Ontario Court of Appeal issued a decision on June 10, 2003 that ruled that same-sex couples have the right to be legally married. No person under 16 years of age may marry. Any person who is 16 or 17 years of age (other than a widow, widower or divorced person) may marry with the written consent of his/her legal guardian. A special consent form is available for this purpose from the Clerk's Department.
If consent is required, and it is not forthcoming, or is refused, an application may be made to a judge to dispense with consent.
Annullment or Divorce A person whose previous marriage has been dissolved or annulled will require. (a) If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada, the original or court certified copy of the final decree, judgement or certificate of divorce dissolving or annulling the marriage, or (b) If the marriage was dissolved or annulled outside of Canada, the authorization of the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. (This requirement is explained in more detail below), or (c) Where the earlier marriage of one of the parties was terminated by the presumed death of a spouse, a court order declaring the presumed death of the spouse must be obtained. An Issuer of Marriage Licences can provide more information upon request.
Authorization An applicant whose former marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada must obtain authorization from the Minister of Consumer and Business Services before a marriage licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants or a lawyer, must submit the following to:
The Office of the Registrar General P.O. Box 4600 189 Red River Road Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6L8
1) A completed marriage licence application signed by both applicants. 2) A copy of the decree of divorce or annulment (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce/annulment was granted) or sealed by the court. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a certified translation. 3) A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both applicants. Blank affidavits are available from the local Issuer of Marriage Licence. 4) A legal opinion of an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario.
Marriage Licence/Banns A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of a licence or the publication of banns.
1) Marriage Licence A licence to marry may be obtained from the Issuer of Marriage Licences at the Clerk's Department, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Fort Erie (905-871-1600). At least one party to the proposed marriage must apply in person. However, the application must be signed by both applicants.
The Issuer will require proof of identification of either party (if only one party is applying he/she must bring proof of identification for the other party). All minors must submit proof of identification. An original birth certificate or a current passport is acceptable identification. A second piece of photo identification is also required.
There are no requirements respecting residency, pre-marital blood tests or medical certificates.
A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario. The licence expires 3 months after the date of issue.
A Marriage Licence fee is $125.00.
2) Publication of banns
A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns where both parties to the proposed marriage worship regularly in Canada.
No one may marry under the authority of the publication of banns if there was a previous marriage (dissolved or annulled). Further information concerning marriage under the authority of the publication of banns may be obtained from a member of the clergy.
Who may perform a marriage ceremony?
A marriage ceremony in Ontario may be performed by: a) A member of the clergy registered under the Marriage Act. b) A judge or justice of the peace.
3 - Where can I obtain a birth, death or marriage certificate?
An application form can be obtained at the Reception Desk at Town Hall. Online certificates are available through the Service Ontario website.The applications submitted on line will be processed and delivered in 15 business days with a money-back guarantee for applications that are complete and accurate.
4 - How does someone appear as a delegation before Council?
Contact the Clerk's Department by calling 871-1600 ext. 2236 or 2211 to register as a delegation. We require your name and address which will be placed on the Agenda and a short explanation of the nature of your delegation. Delegations are received at the Regular Meetings of Council held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. (In the summer, Council meets in Regular Session once per month) Delegations have a maximum of 10 minutes when making their presentation. Registration must be made by 1:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the Regular Council meetings. Written registration is not required. Delegations are only permitted at Council-in-Committee (1st and 3rd Mondays) meeting when addressing a specific agenda item.
5 - How do I file an insurance claim?
A letter directed to the Clerk is required explaining the details of your claim, including the date and facts of the incident as well as an estimate of damage.
Notice of claim for damages due to non-repair of road (ie: potholes) must be made in writing to the Clerk of the Town within 7 days of the incident. A claimant then has three months to file a claim.
6 - Who should I contact for municipal election information?
Carolyn J. Kett, Town Clerk (905)871-1600 ext. 2211
7 - What do I need to open a new business in Fort Erie? Go to Town Services - Forms and Downloads for:
8. Commissioner of Oath Services
The Commissioners for taking Affidavits Act empowers Municipal Clerks and other officials to take various types of declarations, to certify documents, and to administer oaths. A Commissioner of Oaths is available in the Clerk's Department. The fee is $10.00 for a signature and $25.00 for a typed affidavit.