Asset Management Orientation Toolkit for Members of Council

Members of Council make decisions every year that shape the condition and cost of the infrastructure their communities rely on. The Orientation Toolkit brings together plain-language resources to help Council members understand asset management and their part in it. The toolkit was developed by AMO in partnership with AMONTario as part of AMO’s administration of the Build Communities Strong Fund – Community Stream (BCSF-CS).

Who the toolkit is for

The toolkit is intended for Members of Council, particularly those who are new to the position. Municipal staff can also use it to support orientation sessions, Council briefings, and ongoing conversations about asset management.

What is included and how to use the toolkit

The toolkit contains the following resources. Each can be downloaded on its own, so you can use only what you need.

The Executive Summary is a short overview of asset management and the responsibilities of Council. Municipalities can include it in Council orientation packages so that new and returning Members of Council receive a clear introduction at the start of the term. It can also be shared on its own with Members of Council who need a quick refresher.

The Handbook is an ongoing reference with practical actions, case studies, and additional resources. Members of Council can return to it throughout the term, for example when reviewing asset management plans, budgets, and capital priorities. Staff can use it to support briefings, report writing, and conversations with Council about asset management decisions.

The PowerPoint Presentation is a ready-to-use resource for staff-led Council orientation sessions. Staff can present it as provided or use it as the starting point for a session about their municipality’s assets and priorities.

 

Municipalities are encouraged to use the toolkit as a whole or individually as needed. Staff can open the Council term with the PowerPoint Presentation and include the Executive Summary in orientation packages, so that new Members of Council have both a presentation and a written overview to refer back to. The Handbook then supports Council beyond orientation; it is a reference Councilors can return to throughout the term.

Questions

For questions about the toolkit or about asset management in your municipality, please contact AMO at bcsf-cs@amo.on.ca.