How to Speak at Council or a Committee

The First Step:

Did you know, the Town of Goderich has the following processes in place for the public to provide input into Council meetings?

  1. Appearing as a delegation to Council;
  2. Submission of correspondence/letters to Council; Contact the Director of Legislative Services/Clerk through email or by calling 519-524-8344
  3. Submission of petitions to Council in accordance with the Petition Policy; 
  4. On the Council Agenda during Public Comments Relating to Agenda Items- This is an opportunity for members of the public to speak to any item of business that appears on the agenda - 3 minutes per person; 
  5. Contacting Council Members via email, phone, or in person in advance of the meeting; 
  6. Submission of verbal and/or written comments as part of a statutory public meeting. 

You are encouraged to first contact Town staff to discuss your concerns. Many issues can be resolved at the staff level without needing a Council decision. Learn more about alternative options by contacting the Clerk.

Contact the Clerk via phone 519-524-8344 or email.


Participating as a Delegation:

What is a Delegation?

A "delegation" is your opportunity to present to Council or Committees on matters significant to you or the community. Share your views before decisions are made.

Presentation Guidelines

  • Speak for up to 10 minutes, with additional time for questions of Council.
  • Time limits may be adjusted by a majority vote.
  • Groups should designate a spokesperson.
  • Submit the Delegation Request Form and presentation materials by 4 PM, ten days before the meeting. Early submission ensures transparency and preparation for all parties involved.

Meeting Confirmation

The Clerk’s office will contact you to confirm your registration and provide meeting details.  

Privacy Notice:

Meeting materials, including your presentations, are public records and could be hosted on the Town's website

Town staff support is available to assist first-time delegates in navigating these processes.

 


Public Comments Relating to Agenda Items:

A person may provide comments to Council Members during the Public Comments Relating to Agenda Items subject to rules outlined in the Procedure By-Law.

At the Meeting:

The Chair will announce when it is your time to speak. Approach the podium, turn on the microphone, state your name and organization, and begin your presentation.

  • Speakers comments must be related to an item on the current agenda; and
  • Speakers are limited to a time period of three (3) minutes.

Members of Council and staff will hear the comments, and Council will be given an opportunity to respond if desired.  This section of the agenda is allotted a 30 (thirty) minute total time limit.

After Speaking:

Once your presentation concludes and questions are answered, you will be asked to leave the podium.

The Council or Committee may then:

  • Refer the item to a future Council or Committee meeting if they feel they need more information before making a decision
  • Refer to the staff for a report back to Council, for additional information
  • Discuss the item later in the agenda and make a decision
  • Simply receive the item for information (which means no decision to change the current policy is supported)

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