Public Hearings are a formal process held by City Council to receive public input on Zoning or Official Community Plan amendments. In accordance with the Local Government Act any person who believes that his or her interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Proceedings During Public Hearings:
- The Clerk will introduce and describe each bylaw in turn, indicate whether the statutory requirements have been met, and whether any additional correspondence has been received.
- The Director of Planning and Development Services will provide a brief explanation of the bylaw.
- The Applicant will have an opportunity to comment on their application.
- Members of the public will be called forward in turn.
A record of each Public Hearing is made by the Clerk. You may also submit written correspondence which will form part of the record.
Speaking at the Public Hearing
If you would like to speak at the Hearing please begin your comments by clearly stating your name and address for the record. Your comments must be specifically related to the subject of the bylaw and be directed to the Mayor. The intention of the Hearing is for you to give your comments to Council rather than to debate the comments of others.
Council will listen to your views, not debate the merits of the proposed bylaw nor enter into dialogue with members of the public at the Hearing. Members of Council may ask questions of you following your presentation to seek clarification on the points you have raised.
If you have questions on the Public Hearing process, please call the City Clerk's Department at 604-469-4509.
After the Public Hearing
The Public Hearing may be adjourned at any time, to reconvene at a specified date, time and place. Once all representations have been heard, the Public Hearing will be closed. No further submissions may be received by Council after the close of the Public Hearing. Council will refer the bylaw without debate to the next or a specified meeting of Council, with or without a request for further information from staff. Council may then:
- adopt or defeat the bylaw; or
- alter then adopt the bylaw 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.
For more information on how to get involved with your municipal government contact the Office of the City Clerk, tel. 604-469-4520
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