WIA Constitution
The governing document of the Ward's Island Association.
Table of Contents
Note: The text below is a representative summary of the WIA Constitution. For the full and binding legal text, please contact the WIA Secretary.
Article I — Name
The name of this organization shall be the Ward’s Island Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Association” or “the WIA”).
Article II — Purpose and Objectives
The purposes of the Ward’s Island Association are:
- To represent and advocate for the interests of residents of Ward’s Island, Toronto, before the City of Toronto and other bodies.
- To promote the social, cultural, recreational, and environmental well-being of the Ward’s Island community.
- To organize and coordinate community events, activities, and volunteer efforts.
- To maintain and improve shared community spaces and infrastructure, including the Pavilion.
- To foster a sense of community and belonging among island residents and their families.
- To preserve and document the history and cultural heritage of Ward’s Island.
Article III — Membership
3.1 Eligibility
Membership in the Association shall be open to:
- Individual Membership: Any adult person who resides on Ward’s Island or who has a demonstrated interest in the well-being of the community.
- Family Membership: All adults and dependent children residing at the same household address on Ward’s Island.
3.2 Membership Fees
Annual membership fees shall be set by the Executive Committee and ratified at the Annual General Meeting. The current fees are:
- Individual Membership: $40.00 per calendar year
- Family Membership: $60.00 per calendar year
Fees run from January 1 to December 31. The Executive may, by resolution, waive or reduce fees for members experiencing financial hardship.
3.3 Voting Rights
Each individual member in good standing shall have one vote at General Meetings. Under a Family Membership, each adult household member shall have one vote.
3.4 Membership in Good Standing
A member is in good standing if their membership dues are current and they have not been suspended or expelled under Article III.5.
3.5 Suspension and Expulsion
A member may be suspended or expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee for conduct that is contrary to the purposes of the Association, provided that the member is given reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard.
Article IV — Executive Committee
4.1 Composition
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee consisting of the following officers:
- President
- Vice-President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- One or more Members at Large
4.2 Election and Term
Officers of the Executive Committee shall be elected by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting. Each officer shall serve a term of one year and may be re-elected for up to three consecutive terms in the same position.
4.3 Vacancies
If a position on the Executive Committee becomes vacant between Annual General Meetings, the remaining members of the Executive may appoint a qualified member to fill the vacancy until the next AGM.
4.4 Duties of Officers
The President shall chair all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee, and shall act as the primary spokesperson for the Association.
The Vice-President shall assist the President and shall assume the duties of the President in the President’s absence.
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings, maintain the membership register, and handle official correspondence.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the financial records and accounts of the Association, and shall present a financial report at each AGM.
Article V — Meetings
5.1 Annual General Meeting
The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, no later than the end of May. Notice of the AGM shall be provided to all members at least fourteen (14) days in advance. The agenda shall include:
- Approval of the minutes of the previous AGM
- Reports from the Executive Committee
- Presentation and approval of the annual financial statements
- Setting of membership fees for the coming year
- Election of officers
- Other business as properly brought before the meeting
5.2 Special General Meetings
A Special General Meeting may be called by the President, by a majority of the Executive Committee, or upon the written request of at least 10% of members in good standing. At least seven (7) days’ notice shall be given.
5.3 Quorum
A quorum for General Meetings shall be fifteen (15) members in good standing. A quorum for Executive Committee meetings shall be a majority of the sitting Executive.
5.4 Decision Making
Decisions at General Meetings and Executive Committee meetings shall be made by a simple majority of votes cast, unless otherwise specified in this Constitution.
Article VI — Finances
6.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Association shall be January 1 to December 31.
6.2 Banking and Signing Authority
The funds of the Association shall be held in an account at a recognized Canadian financial institution. Cheques and other negotiable instruments shall be signed by any two of: the President, Vice-President, or Treasurer.
6.3 Financial Review
The Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial statement to be reviewed by a volunteer member who is not on the Executive Committee and presented at the AGM.
6.4 Non-Profit Operation
The Association shall be operated as a non-profit organization. No part of the income of the Association shall be paid or distributed to any member of the Association or to any officer except as reasonable compensation for services rendered.
Article VII — Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be made at a General Meeting by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, provided that:
- The proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the Secretary at least thirty (30) days before the meeting at which it is to be considered;
- Written notice of the proposed amendment has been provided to all members at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting.
Article VIII — Dissolution
The Association may be dissolved by a special resolution passed by two-thirds of members present at a General Meeting called for that purpose. In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Association remaining after the payment of all liabilities shall be distributed to one or more charitable organizations with similar purposes, as determined by the final General Meeting of the Association.
This constitution was last amended at the Annual General Meeting of the Ward’s Island Association on April 28, 2024. For questions, contact the WIA Secretary at [email protected].