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Speaking Before Council
If you wish to address Council regarding a specific topic or request please follow the instructions to make a delegation request.
Delegation to Council Requests
Anyone wishing to address Council on a matter will be required to:
- Complete the Delegation Request Form and submit request eleven (11) business days before the meeting date.
- Include explanation on why you wish to appear before Council
- As an alternative to the online form, there is a pdf application which can be printed and sent to the Clerk's Department. Requests can be submitted via email, regular mail or in person at the Clerk's office
| Note: You do not need to complete a Delegation Request form if you simply want to view a meeting. |
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Delegation / Speaking Before Council
What is the purpose of a delegation? |
| The purpose of a delegation is to provide information to Council. You are there to make a presentation to Council and bring relevant information, request funds, or provide an update on committee activities. Council may or may not make a decision on the matter at the time of the delegation but may ask staff to bring back a report so that they can make an informed decision. |
How do I get on a Council Agenda as a delegation? |
| The Clerk will place your name and presentation, once approved, on the public agenda. |
How long can I speak for? |
| Delegations are limited to ten (10) minutes. |
What should I provide in my request? |
| You need to specify in writing the nature of the business to be discussed, provide background material and name the delegate who will address Council. If you do not provide sufficient information or refuse to disclose the reason for your delegation it could result in the request being refused. If you have a presentation, it will be provided to Council in the public agenda. |
What else do I need to know about being a delegation? |
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When speaking or presenting before Council please:
Presenters appearing before Council who have previously appeared before the same Council on the same subject shall be limited to providing only new information in their second or subsequent appearances. |
Can a group attend as a delegation? |
| A group can request to attend as a delegation, however, speakers will be limited to only two (2) members. The time limit for a group is fifteen (15) minutes. |
What types of items cannot be requested as a delegation? |
Requests involving the following matters may not be requested as a delegation:
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Public Meeting Participation
Members of the public wishing to participate may attend in-person or join electronically and make comment/speak at the Public Meeting. Please email the Clerk's Department with the following information:
- Full Name
- Address
- Email Address
- Telephone Number
- Whether participation will occur in-person or electronically via Zoom
Is Registration Required? |
| Registration is required for electronic participants. Please register by 4:00PM the day before the meeting. |
How Do I Participate Electronically? |
| The Clerk's Department will contact you directly with directions to participate via Zoom prior to the Public Meeting. |
Can I participate with submitted written information? |
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You may wish to submit written information only at a public meeting. This can be done by submitting your written comments to the Clerk's Department five (5) calendar days before the meeting date.
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Expected Behaviour During Council Meetings
As an Attendee, you are expected to be respectful, use proper language and speak only to the matter brought before council. Attendees who speak disrespectfully of any person, use improper or non-parliamentary language or speak on any subject other than the subject for which they have received approval to address Council or a Committee will be removed from the meeting.
- Attendees appearing before Council will be limited to ten (10) minutes.
- Attendee groups of more than five (5) people will be limited to two (2) speakers, with a total time of fifteen (15) minutes.
The Mayor or Meeting Chair can limit or reduce the 10-minute speaking time of persons, or extend the speaking time limit, as set out in the Procedural By-law at their discretion during the meeting.
Attendees appearing before Council who have previously appeared before the same Council on the same subject will be limited to providing only new information in their second or subsequent appearances.
Live Streaming of Meetings
All Regular, Public and Special Meetings of Council, as well as Committees and Boards are being Live Streamed on the Township's YouTube Channel, in accordance with the Township's Procedural By-law.
Meetings are open to the public and live streaming gives all community members the opportunity to watch and listen to meetings, in real time, giving greater access to decision-making and debate.
By attending a Regular, Public or Special Meeting of Council, as well as a Committee and/or Board meeting, attendees are consenting to their image, voice and comments being recorded and available for public viewing.
The Chair and/or Administration have the discretion and authority at any time to direct the termination or interruption of Live Streaming if inappropriate material is or may be presented at the Meeting.
While the Township will make every effort to ensure that Live Streaming is available, it takes no responsibility for, and cannot be held liable for technical issues beyond its control. Technical issues may include, but are not limited to, the availability of the internet connection, device failure or malfunction, unavailability of social media platforms, or power outages.
For more information or if you are unsure about your request, please contact the Clerk's Department.