WHITEWATER REGION — There are now five people in Whitewater Region who have the authority to marry people under the auspices of the township.
During last Wednesday’s council meeting, deputy-clerk Carmen Miller was added to the list of Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay, Julie Keon, Cathy Williamson and Danielle Thomson.
Chief Administrative Officer Tremblay noted the three women officiants are quite busy.
“We don’t really promote it at the township, but the three officiants are very busy, each doing 20 to 30 services a year,” he said. “Cathy is seeking retirement…”
He noted Ms. Williamson is currently training a woman from Westmeath to take over her position as an officiant.
The township does not receive revenue from the officiants, but if he or Ms. Miller were to officiate at a wedding, the revenue would go to the township, he explained.
To add Ms. Miller to the list, the bylaw has to be updated.
Councillor Charlene Jackson questioned if the weddings are performed within the township only and if people from outside the township can come in and marry people.
CAO Tremblay said the township is appointing the people on half of its clerk to perform the ceremony, however, other people can be licensed in Ontaro to become officiants.
“There are a number of other officiants, such as clergy, who offer the service, there are a variety of folks out there,” he said.
Knowing the three officiants within the township are busy, it’s not surprise officiants from elsewhere in the province are coming into the township to perform ceremonies.
However, CAO Tremblay added, the township bylaw states the officiants are only allowed to marry within the province of Ontario.
