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 meetings are being held electronically. Due to the most recent Public Health Order, the option for in-person participation for Public Hearings is no longer available.

Council will continue to meet virtually/electronically from different locations and will not be physically present in one room.

Read our COVID-19 Safety Plan for Resuming Limited Public Attendance at Council Meetings.

Upcoming Public Meetings and Hearings

February 2, 2021: Development Variance Permit 

February 9, 2021: Loggers East Neighbourhood Plan Public Hearing

THREE ways to participate in a public hearing:

It is strongly recommended that members of the public participate via telephone, electronically via WebEx or by submitting a written submission to Council. 

1. Written submissions;
2. Electronic participation during the meeting;
3. Telephone participation during the meeting;

1 - 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.

2 - Electronic Participation

Meetings continue to be held virtually using the Webex platform. Webex can be accessed through a computer or the Webex mobile phone app.  

Option 1: Live Stream Viewing:

To view the live stream visit squamish.ca/live-meetings.

Option 2: Join via Webex:

To join the meeting, please click the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.  
https://districtofsquamish.webex.com/districtofsquamish/onstage/g.php?MTID=e732d902feb4c038d299ae0c30aaa3674

Remember to use the blue "Join Now" button, not the "Join by browser" link.  The browser link has limited functionality and allows for viewing only. You will not be able to speak.

To get on the speakers list, use the 'Raise hand" button. The moderator will let you know when it is your turn to speak. Please see the detailed instructions below for additional information. 

Detailed instructions:
Open a pdf with detailed instructions for Webex participation.

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

3 - Telephone Participation

From a landline or mobile phone, you can join the meeting by calling: 1.604.449.3026.  

Meeting access code = 146 367 8438.
There is no participant ID. 

To get on the speakers list, please raise you hand by pressing *3. The moderator will let you know when it is your turn to speak. When you have finished speaking press *3 again to lower your hand. 

Detailed instructions:
Open a pdf with detailed instructions for Webex participation.

4 - In-Person Participation (Not currently available)

UPDATE:  DECEMBER 8, 2020

Due to the most recent Public Health Order, the option for in-person participation for Public Hearings is no longer available.

The December 2, 2020 Public Health Order on Gatherings and Events repeals the November 10 order and imposes more stringent prohibitions including in-person attendance at council and board meetings, hearings, committee meetings, open houses, and other in-person meetings.

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 Information

• Speakers will be limited to five 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. 
• It is recommended that those who attend in person prepare a written submission that can be read aloud to the meeting in case the maximum number is exceeded.
• 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