Speaking at Committee or Council

Click Here to Register as a Delegation

Delegations shall generally be referred to Standing Committee meetings and not to Council meetings. The Clerk shall have discretion to direct delegations to the appropriate Committee and the appropriate meeting, and delegations will not be permitted to be made to more than one Committee.

A person wishing to make a delegation on an agenda item shall submit a completed online or hard copy delegation request form, which shall include any presentation material the person intends to rely on, to the Clerk in accordance with the following timelines:

(a) in the case of a Committee meeting, no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the meeting; and

(b) in the case of a Council meeting, no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the meeting (typically 6:30 p.m. Sunday).

Where a delegation request to address a Committee or Council on a matter that is not listed on an agenda for an upcoming meeting, the request shall be submitted at least seven (7) days before the meeting, and the Clerk shall have discretion to determine the meeting at which the delegation shall be made, which determination shall be final.

Delegation requests which are not made in compliance with the above deadlines shall not be accepted.

If you wish to speak at a Public Meeting that is scheduled in accordance with the Planning Act, 1990, as amended, you do not need to register as a delegation, however it is encouraged.

No delegation shall be permitted on matters relating to:

• Any matter matters which have been previously decided upon by Council within the last six (6) months.
• Litigation or potential litigation, including those matters which are before and under the jurisdiction of any court or administrative tribunals.
• Matters which are outside the jurisdiction of the Town.
• Notices of Motion, provided that Delegates will have an opportunity to speak at the subsequent Committee or Council meeting when that item will be discussed.
• Previous Minutes and Board Minutes listed on the agenda.
• By-laws on the agenda.
• Closed Session items, or a matter which, in the opinion of the Clerk or Chief Administrative Officer, is the proper subject matter of a Closed Session.
• Reports filed by the Integrity Commissioner.
• Relief from the User Fees and Charges By-law or any requests relating to tax bills, water bills, or Town-issued offence notices, administrative penalties and/or Orders.

How long can I speak for?

A delegation concerning agenda items has a maximum of ten (10) minutes. Speaking time may only be extended by an additional five (5) minutes at the discretion of the Chair.

The allotted time includes any audio or video presentations, but does not include answering questions from the Members.

Helpful Hints for Engaging Council