Section 177 applies if an agreement is proposed or made in relation to a matter that requires the assent of the electors or a counter petition opportunity. If either of those conditions apply:
• the local government must make available for public inspection the final agreement and all records relating to the agreement that are in the custody or control of the local government (to the extent the agreement and records can be disclosed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)
• the records relating to the agreement must remain available for public inspection from the time notice of "other voting" is given until general voting day or from the time notice of the counter petition opportunity is given until the deadline for submitting counter petitions
If an agreement relates to a matter that requires the assent of the electors or counter petition, the requirement also applies to an amendment to the agreement in relation to that matter. That is, if a local government wishes to amend something that originally required a counter petition opportunity or assent of the electors, then assent or counter petition must also be provided for the amendment. If the amendment relates to something that did not originally need counter petition or assent, then counter petition or assent for the amendment is not needed.
Some agreements to provide or operate works and services require approval. Such an agreement must be approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs if it is made with a public authority in another province, and must be approved by Cabinet if it is made with a public authority in another country.