Starting in 2024, the new Procedural By-law is in effect, bringing about changes to the Council and Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting schedule and structure.
Meeting schedule changes
Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will now be scheduled on separate evenings. Both meetings will continue to take place on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Generally, the schedule follows a three-week cycle: first, a Committee of the Whole meeting, then a break (unless there's a special or public meeting), followed by a Council meeting. This pattern aligns with how staff reports progress. Information is presented to the Committee of the Whole and there is a two-week period for deliberation before a final decision is considered at the Council meeting.
As part of the updated schedule, Statutory Public meetings, as required, may be scheduled on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m.
To plan ahead, the 2024 Council and Committee of the Whole Calendar is available for review. If at any point throughout the year a meeting needs to be cancelled, this will be communicated on our website and social media channels.
Meeting structure changes
The Committee of the Whole sessions will primarily focus on the discussion and deliberation of staff reports. Question period will also take place at COW meetings, for members of the Media and community to pose and seek information from Members of Council.
Presentations and deputations will occur during Council meetings, providing a comprehensive platform for diverse perspectives from the community. Question period will no longer be available during Council meetings, as deputations will take the place of Question period. Council meetings is where final decisions or approvals take place.
Deputation versus presentation at Council meetings
A deputation at a Council meeting is a formal presentation made by individuals or representatives of organizations to address Council on a specific matter that is on that Council meeting’s agenda. This is an opportunity for members of the community to express their views, opinions, concerns, or suggestions regarding a particular issue or topic on the Council agenda before Council makes a decision on that matter. Those making the deputation may present information, share personal experiences, or offer recommendations related to the agenda items under consideration. Council may take the deputation into account when making decisions on relevant matters. Deputations will be limited to five minutes per person/group and must register in advance of the meeting. For more information and details on how to register a deputation, visit the Connect with Council page.
Presentations serve to educate Council members about issues, projects, or initiatives within the Municipality. They assist Members in making well-informed decisions that align with the needs and interests of the community. Unlike deputations, presentation topics are not limited to items listed on the Council meeting agenda, and presenters are given ten minutes to make a presentation. Up to three presentations can be made per Council meeting, and presenters must also register in advance of the meeting.
The adjustment to the meetings composition aims to facilitate increased public participation in the decision-making process, providing an enhanced structure for civic engagement.
Live recordings
It's important to note that these meetings remain open to the public, and for those unable to attend in person, the meetings are live streamed on our YouTube channel. Past Council and Committee of the Whole meetings are also accessible on our YouTube channel.
For more information about the new meeting schedule and structure, as well as how to actively engage with the Council, visit the Connect with Council page.
2024-01-05
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