Public Hearings provide residents and other interested parties with an opportunity to share their views with Council on a proposed bylaw or application before Council makes a decision.
Public Hearings are held in person in Council Chambers and online through Zoom, allowing participants to attend and provide input in either format.
How a Public Hearing Works
Once the Public Hearing is called to order by the Mayor, the hearing will generally proceed as follows:
- Staff Presentation
Town staff will provide a brief presentation outlining the proposed application or bylaw and relevant background information.
- Applicant Presentation
Following the staff presentation, the applicant will have an opportunity to present information about their application to Council.
- Public Input
Once the applicant has finished speaking, the floor will be opened for public input. In-person participants will be invited to speak first, followed by participants attending online through Zoom.
- Staff and Applicant Response
Once the speakers list has been closed, staff and the applicant will have an opportunity to respond to any new information raised during the hearing.
- Council Questions and Comments
Council may ask questions or provide comments before the Public Hearing is concluded.
Providing Public Input
Each speaker will be provided with up to five minutes to share whether they support or oppose the proposed bylaw or application and explain the reasons for their position.
Public Hearings are intended to receive public input. They are not a question-and-answer session or a forum for debating the merits of a proposal. Council may ask a speaker questions once their presentation is complete.
Each speaker will be provided with one opportunity to speak.
Comments must relate directly to the application/bylaw being considered. If a speaker discusses matters that do not relate to the proposal, they may be interrupted and asked to restrict their comments to the matter before Council.
Attending in Person
When your name is called, please walk to the podium in Council Chambers and press the grey button to turn on the microphone.
Before beginning your comments, please state your name and address for the record. You will then have up to five minutes to provide your input.
Once all in-person speakers have had an opportunity to speak, the hearing will move to participants attending online.
Attending Online Through Zoom
Participants attending through Zoom who wish to speak should use the Raise Hand function.
When it is your turn to speak, you will be unmuted. Please state your name and address for the record before providing your comments.
Online participants are also provided with up to five minutes to speak and should limit their comments to the proposed application or bylaw.
Closing the Public Hearing
Once everyone who wishes to speak has been provided with an opportunity, the Mayor will close the speakers list.
Staff and the applicant may then respond to new information raised during the hearing, and Council may ask additional questions or provide comments.
Once this process is complete, the Public Hearing will be adjourned.
After the Public Hearing has concluded, Council cannot receive or consider any further public submissions regarding the matter that was the subject of the hearing.
Questions Before the Public Hearing
Residents are encouraged to contact Planning staff before the Public Hearing if they have questions about the application, supporting documents or the Public Hearing process.
Questions and concerns can be directed to Planning staff prior to the hearing.
