Public Hearings and Meetings

People who believe that their interest in property is affected by proposed bylaws and applications will have an opportunity to be heard and to present written submissions at a Public Hearing or a Public Meeting.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, public hearings and public meeting are being held electronically.

Upcoming Public Meeting and Hearing

Three ways to participate in an electronic public meeting:

• Written submissions
• Telephone participation during the meeting
• Electronic participation during the meeting

Click here to open the pdf with detailed instructions.

An opportunity to test your computer's connection to the Webex platform will be available the day before the meeting.

If you wish to watch only and not participate, the meeting can be watched without joining the meeting. Visit our live meetings page.

Speaking at a Public Hearing:

Council appreciates your interest and welcomes your participation.  The purpose of the Public Hearing is for Council to receive comments from the public, either in person (electronically) or in writing, regarding a Zoning Bylaw or Official Community Plan Bylaw amendment. 

Hearings generally take place at 6 p.m. at a date and location determined by Council motion.  Notification requirements for a Public Hearing include two newspaper advertisements, information on the District website, and provision of information to affected property owners. 

To address Council electronically via the WebEx platform or by telephone, please see the details provided above.

Public Participation Info

• Electronic participation via the WebEx platform by computer or by telephone.
• Speakers will be limited to 5 minutes per speaking opportunity.
• If technical issues occur when attempting to connect electronically, submissions may be made in writing by emailing hearing@squamish.ca during the hearing. Staff will distribute submissions to Council and will make them available on the website. 
• No member of the public should feel discouraged, intimidated or otherwise prevented from making their views known.  Inappropriate or disrespectful language, outbursts or criticisms aimed at individuals or groups will not be tolerated.  
• At the end of the hearing, the Chair will call three times for any further speakers.  There will be multiple opportunities to be heard.
• In the event that there are still speakers wishing to address Council at the end of the evening (a time will be set), the Chair will recess the meeting, to resume at a date and time announced at the hearing.

When speaking please...

• Clearly state your name and address or the neighbourhood you reside in and whether you represent yourself, a business or an organization
• Ensure that comments are directed to Council.  There is no opportunity to debate points of view expressed by other speakers
• Restrict your remarks to matters contained in the proposed bylaw.  Be succinct – keep your comments clear and on topic.  The Chair reserves the right to limit repetitive comments

 Written Submissions:

Please send written submissions to hearing@squamish.ca.  Alternatively, submissions may be submitted to the front counter at Municipal Hall by 3 p.m. on the date of the Hearing, or submitted at the Hearing.  Written submissions form part of the public record and will be included in the Council Agenda package and will be available to the public.

Following the close of the Public Hearing:

Council may not receive submissions from the public following the close of the Hearing.  Any questions or comments following the Hearing must be directed to staff. 

Following the Hearing, Council may consider Third Reading of the bylaw, or may decide to consider the bylaw at a future Council meeting. 

Questions?

Please contact Robin Arthurs, Corporate Officer or Charlene Pawluk, Deputy Corporate Officer at 604.892.5217 if there are any questions regarding speaking at a Public Hearing or submitting comments.

Other opportunities for the public to comment include Council consideration of Development Permit applications with variances and Development Variance Permit applications.  The process is similar to attendance at a Public Hearing, with the Chair inviting members of the public to speak to the proposed variance.  Written submissions must be emailed to hearing@squamish.ca, handed in at the front counter or mailed to the District of Squamish.  Emailed submissions must be received by 3 p.m. on the date of the Hearing but will be received at the meeting up to the close of the Hearing.