Public Hearings for Amendment or Redesignation of Land Use

According to Section 692(1) of the Municipal Government Act, Council must hold a public hearing prior to giving second reading to a proposed by-law amending a land use bylaw.

In a public hearing, Council must hear any person or group claiming to be affected by the re-designation or amendment and who has followed the procedures outlined below.

 

Rules of Procedure for Public Hearings

 

Prehearing

• All attendees are invited to register prior to the public hearing on the attendance sheet provided in the lobby.
• Please be aware that letters regarding the Council decision are sent only to people who have signed the attendance sheet and to those who have submitted letters.

 

Hearing

1. The Chairman calls the meeting to order and introduces Council and staff. The Chairman will then explain the procedure to be followed during the hearing.
2. The Planning Officer will then be asked to introduce the item by describing the area, its recent history and any technical matters or concerns. Council can then put questions to the Planning Officer pertaining to the presentation.
3. The applicants or agent for the applicants will then be asked to make their presentation. Councillors can then put questions to the applicants or agents of the applicants.
4. The Chairman will then allow time to read all submissions.
5. The Chairman will then allow people in favour of the application to speak. All attendees are encouraged to speak either as a group or to summarize their concerns in a succinct manner rather than reading the entire letter. Councillors can ask questions at the end of each presentation.
   • Please note that this is your one and only opportunity offered to speak.
   • Please remember to direct all remarks to the Chairman and not to the applicant.
6. The Chairman will then allow people opposed to the application to speak. All attendees are encouraged to speak either as a group or to summarize their concerns in a succinct manner rather than reading the entire letter. Councillors can ask questions at the end of each presentation.
   • Please note that this is your one and only opportunity offered to speak.
   • Please remember to direct all remarks to the Chairman and not to the applicant.
7. The Chairman will then ask the applicant or staff if they have closing remarks answering only questions or concerns brought forward at the hearing. Councillors can ask questions of the applicant at the end of the closing remarks.
8. The Chairman will then determine if the hearing can be closed or adjourned and will then outline when a decision will be forthcoming.