Any resident, group or organization can participate in the political process by speaking at the appropriate regional standing committee.
The following procedures are in keeping with our Procedural By-law.
Committee meetings are held the week before regular council meetings. This timing ensures your presentation is considered before a recommendation is made.
In most cases, council approves the recommendations made at committee meetings.
If you present at a committee meeting:
Residents wishing to speak at standing committee should submit their online request no later than 9 a.m. on the Thursday the week prior to the meeting of the Committee.
Due to the amount of business to be completed at Committee meetings, there is a strict ten-minute limit for presentations. Questions and answers are permitted.
Requests to speak at a standing committee meeting on a matter that is not on the agenda must be submitted at least 14 days before the date and time of the committee meeting.
Contact the Regional Clerk, who will direct you to the appropriate committee.
You will not be permitted to speak at more than one committee meeting.
Your presentation may be refused if your topic is beyond the scope of the Region or opposes Regional policies or the public interest.
Residents wishing to speak on labour relations and/ore union negotiations will not be heard at any standing committee. These requests must be written submissions, signed and mailed to the Regional Clerk.
These matters will be referred to the Chief Administrative Officer.
Once your request has been reviewed and approved, staff will contact you to confirm the date and time of your appointment.
If you have handouts or information for the committee, you are to provide 40 copies to Regional staff prior to the beginning of the meeting for distribution.