- A Bylaw is a law passed by the council. Bylaws can be enforced by bylaw enforcement officers, police and peace officers in the municipality or any other designated officer as appointed by Council.
- If residents, ratepayers, business owners and visitors in the municipality do not follow the rules and guidelines set out by a bylaw, they can be fined or given penalties, and they must be informed in writing by Council through Administration that they are in breach of the bylaw and a specific statute, section and part pertaining to the Bylaw in question.
- Policies are made by councils to set guidelines that the municipalities follow. These guidelines can describe how services (service levels/delivery) and programs will be provided by a municipality.
- The Chief Administrative Officer and municipal employees are responsible for following these policies.
- Decisions (socio-economic) that Councils and Councillors make are visible and implemented in the policies and bylaws of a municipality.