Speaking at a Meeting

Any person may request to participate in the decision-making process as a delegation to Council or by submitting written comments, as outlined in the County’s Procedure By-Law. Most delegations are heard at Council in Committee meetings.

Members of the public may also submit written comments to the Clerks Division, which will be provided to the Mayor, Council, and senior staff before the meeting, and will form part of the public record.

To find out when the next Council in Committee meeting is, see our Council Calendar.

How to register as a delegation

Delegation requests should only be for matters that require a decision or support from Council. If you have comments on an operational or administrative matter, please contact the related staff division directly.

You can submit your request online, through email, or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building. All requests must include a description of what you plan to speak about, which will form part of the public record of the meeting.

Submit a delegation request

Timelines

For Council in Committee meetings

For requests to speak on an agenda item – register by noon at least 1 business day before the meeting.
For requests to introduce an item not on the agenda – register by noon at least 6 days before the meeting.
If you have any delegation materials, you must submit them to the Clerk by noon at least 1 day before the Council in Committee meeting.

For Council meetings

If you have appeared before Council in Committee and wish to present new information at a Council meeting submit your request by noon at least 5 days before the Council meeting.

What to expect when speaking before Council

Here’s what to typically expect when speaking before Council:

The Chair of the meeting will call your name and ask you to come to the podium. If you have submitted an electronic presentation, it will be ready for you.
You will then be allowed to speak for a maximum of 10 minutes.
After the delegation has finished, councillors may ask you questions.
Once councillors are finished asking questions, you will be excused and asked to be seated.
Councillors may then ask staff questions about the delegation’s comments.

For more information about appearing before Council, contact the Clerks Division.