Speaking at a Council Meeting
Members of the public may speak to Council in two ways: Deputation or Public Comment.
Deputations (Formal Presentations)
If you wish to present verbal information on factual matters or make a request of Council you can submit a Deputation Request, to the Clerk's Office by 9:00 a.m., at least 14 days before the preferred meeting, describing the subject you wish to present and the reason why the presentation is important to Council and the Municipality.
Key Considerations:
- Apply by 9:00 a.m., at least 14 days before the meeting
- Maximum 3 deputations per meeting
- 10 minutes total speaking time
- Up to 2 speakers per deputation
- Materials must be submitted in advance
Council may ask questions for clarification.
Repeat deputations are only permitted if new information is provided.|
Deputations must follow the guidelines set out in the Procedural By-law.
Public Comment (Agenda Items Only)
If you wish to provide verbal comments on an item listed on a Council meeting agenda, you may register to speak during the Public Comment portion of the meeting by contacting the Clerk’s Office before 12:00 p.m. (noon) one (1) day prior to the meeting, identifying the agenda item you wish to address.
Key Considerations:
- Register by 12:00 p.m. (noon), one (1) day before the meeting
- Identify the agenda item you wish to speak to
- 3 minutes per speaker
- Maximum 10 speakers per meeting
- No presentation materials permitted
- Public Comment occurs before Council discusses the item.
Public comments must follow the guidelines set out in the Procedural By-law.
Meeting Conduct
All participants must:
- Be respectful and follow the direction of the Chair
- Avoid disruptive or offensive behaviour
- Comply with meeting rules
Individuals who do not follow these rules may be asked to leave.
Land Acknowledgement
We recognize the traditional keepers of this land and, specifically our neighbours of the Alderville First Nation, with a formal territorial acknowledgement.
Welcome to the Gunshot Treaty Lands of 1788. It is on these lands and on the shores of the big lake, the Mississauga Anishinabeg met with the Crown to facilitate the opening of these lands for
settlement.
Let us be reminded of the responsibility we all have in making sure that we respect these lands and waters that give us life and sustain our livelihoods.