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Course Description

This online course is 18 learning hours over six weeks, including 3 live sessions. It is recommended that students spend a minimum of 3 hours each week on course work. Students may choose to complete more hours of work on the course in order to explore the content in more depth. 


This course introduces participants to a spectrum of policy instruments used in municipal governance. Participants explore bylaws, administrative policies, procedures, guidelines, and frameworks and how these instruments support decision-making, and service delivery. Through practical analysis, learners will gain a working knowledge of how policies are created and applied within the context of Canadian local governments.

Course Outline

  • Week 1: Introduction to Policy Instruments in Municipal Governance
  • Week 2: Identifying Municipal Issues and Choosing the Right Instrument
  • Week 3: Policy/Bylaw Development Process
  • Week 4: Drafting Policies or Bylaws
  • Week 5: Policy/Bylaw Review, Consultation, and Revision
  • Week 6: Policy/Bylaw Approval and Presentation

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, learners will:

  • distinguish between key municipal policy instruments such as bylaws, policies, procedures, guidelines, and frameworks;
  • analyze the role of each policy instrument in municipal governance and service delivery;
  • apply critical thinking to identify organizational issues that may require regulatory or administrative solutions;
  • outline the process for developing and implementing a municipal policy or bylaw;
  • draft a policy or bylaw in response to a municipal issue; and
  • demonstrate the ability to communicate and present policy recommendations in a municipal context.

Notes

The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.

Recommended For

Those currently in or aspiring to leadership positions in municipal government.
 

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enrol Now - Select a section to enrol in
Section Title
Municipal Bylaws and Policies
Type
Online - Self-Paced
Dates
Feb 20, 2026 to Apr 03, 2026
Total Learning Hours
18.0
Location
  • Online Campus - Atlantic Time
Instruction Delivery Method(s)
Blended - Online  
Course Fee(s)
Fee non-credit $625.00
CEUs
1.8 CEUs
Instructors
Required Software
A webcam and microphone will be required for the live sessions. This course requires a Dalhousie NetID. If you do not currently have a NetID, a NetID will be assigned to you, and—after registration—you will receive an email on how to claim your account. Once you have claimed your account, you will login to the Student Portal under the heading "I have a NetID Username and Password" on the far left of the login screen.
Section Notes

Note: We are closed from December 24, 2025 to January 1, 2026 inclusive. Access credentials to the course site may be delayed for those who enrol during this time period.

This course has scheduled written assignments and discussions within the term time frame. Live sessions will be held as follows:

  • Wednesday, March 4 from 7 - 8:30 pm AT
  • Wednesday, March 18 from 7 - 8:30 pm AT

There will also be a third session for mandatory class presentations. Students can choose to do their presentation on either April 1 or April 2. (The presentations will be held from 7 - 8:30 pm AT on both days.)

 *Please note: live session dates and times may change, and will be finalized 6 weeks prior to course start date.* 

The course site will be open at 4:00 PM Atlantic Time on the course start date.

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