The Municipal Act states that there must be a minimum of five members on a council, including the head of council. The head of council must be elected by general vote or at large. The other members may be elected by general vote or by wards. 

The Municipal Act, s.224 describes the role of Council as follows: 

1. to represent the public and to consider the interests and well-being of the residents and the municipality,

2. to develop and evaluate policies and programs,

4. to ensure that there are administrative procedures and practices in place necessary to implement the decisions of council,

5. to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality, and

6. to carry out the duties of a council under the Act and any other legislation. 

Effective December 1, 2006, the term of office for a municipal council in the Province of Ontario is 4 years.

The role of the head of council (outlined in s. 224 of the Municipal Act) is as follows:

5. to carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.