Attending Public Hearings
Council appreciates your interest in local government and welcomes your participation at Public Hearings. There are a few formal rules to help clarify the procedure for you.
A Public Hearing is held for the purpose of Council receiving comments from the public, either in person, by attorney or by letter. At the Public Hearing, any person present who believes that his or her interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be given an opportunity to be heard.
Written Submissions at a Public Hearing
Written submissions will form part of the public record and cannot be received after the Public Hearing closes. Be sure to submit your letters or written comments before or during the Public Hearing. All documents received during the Public Hearing are available to the public for review.
Speaking at a Public Hearing
If you would like to speak at a Public Hearing and there are several speakers, a Speaker's List will be used. Please sign your name and residential address on the Speaker's List. Speakers will be called in order from the list. Begin your comments by stating your name and address. Your comments must be specifically related to the subject of the Bylaw and be directed to the Chair (the Mayor). There is no opportunity at the Public Hearing to debate points of view expressed by other speakers at the hearing.
The main function of a Public Hearing is to listen to your views. Council will not debate the merits of the proposed bylaw nor enter into dialogue with the Public at the Hearing.
No member of the Public who deems his or her interest in property is to be affected will be, or should feel, discouraged, intimidated or otherwise prevented from making his or her views known. Therefore, please refrain from applause or other expressions of emotion whether you favour or oppose any particular application or argument. Inappropriate language, outbursts or criticisms aimed at individuals or groups will not be condoned.
After the Public Hearing is Closed
After all representations have been heard, Council may refer the bylaw(s) without debate to the next or a specified meeting of Council. Council members are not permitted to receive further submissions or hear either a proponent or opponent to an application once the Public Hearing has been concluded.
When the Bylaw is Considered by Council
After the Public Hearing is closed, the bylaw(s) goes forward to Council for consideration. Council may either:
- adopt or defeat the bylaw(s);
- alter, then adopt, the bylaw(s) provided that the alteration does not:
- alter the use,
- increase the density, or
- without the owner's consent, decrease the density of any area, from that originally specified in the bylaw.
Questions on the Public Hearing Process?
If you have questions on the Public Hearing process, please call the Planning Department at 604-947-4255.
Public Hearing and Information Meeting Minutes
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2011
July 9, 2011
Video of July 9, 2011 Public Hearing
