Kirkland Lake is governed by a Mayor and six Councillors. These individuals are elected for a four-year term.

Council is the legislated governing body for the municipality. According to Section 224 of the Municipal Act 2001, it is the role of Council to:

• Represent the public and consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
• Develop and evaluate policies and programs;
• Determine which services the municipal government should provide to the public;
• Ensure administrative practices and procedures are in place;
• Maintain the municipality’s financial integrity.

Council initiatives come from a variety of sources including the Town staff, individual residents, citizens' groups, advisory committees or boards and various local organizations. It is Council's responsibility to consider the merits of each idea and then approve, modify, or reject it. In doing so, Council members analyze community needs, program alternatives and available resources. Once council has reached a decision on an issue, the Mayor issues the appropriate instructions to town staff. Staff will take the required action and report back to Council on subsequent progress and results.

Regular Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:40 pm in Council Chambers in Town Hall, located at 3 Kirkland Street. Council will debate issues and make decisions in the form of by-laws and resolutions. If needed, Council holds Committee of the Whole meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. These meeting discuss the actions of the various council committees, but no formal decisions can be made.

The public is invited to attend Council sessions. Agendas are provided in advance online or in hard copy in Council Chambers. The results of Council’s deliberations in the form of minutes are available online or by request from the Clerk’s Office.