Speak Before Council

All Council and Committee meetings are open to the public, except for closed sessions of Council permitted under the authority of the Municipal Act.

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to speak to Council during public meetings, as a delegation or during Open Forum.

Delegation

A delegation is a presentation to Council by a person or group for a maximum of ten minutes. You must request to be a delegation in writing to the Clerk at least 15 days in advance of the meeting you wish to speak at.

Delegations are welcome to use visual aids, such as handouts and presentations, as long as they are provided to the Clerk at least two days prior to the meeting.

The Clerk may, in certain circumstances, schedule a delegation to a later meeting for scheduling or other reasons.

For questions about delegations or to request to speak to Council, email the Clerk at clerks@gbtownship.ca.

Participating in Open Forum

The Open Forum section of an agenda allows for comments from the public relating to a matter that is listed on the agenda of a meeting.

Rules of Open Forum:

• Each individual has no more than two minutes to address Council or Committee
• Open Forum lasts no longer than ten minutes
• Anyone wishing to speak during Open Forum must register in advance with the clerk, or at the meeting using the sign in sheet (if time allows)
• Speakers shall speak respectfully and obey all rules of procedure
• Meeting minutes will not include comments made during Open Forum

View our Procedure By-law 2023-117 for full guidelines about meetings of Council and Committees.