Speaking Before Council

The First Step:

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: 519-524-8344
Email: afisher@goderich.ca

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.
  • 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

Delegation Request Form 

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

• Engagement Opportunity:
  • Another way to present your views to Council or a Committee before a decision is made.
• Forum Guidelines:
• Held near the end of the meeting agenda.
• Speak for up to 2 minutes, no pre-registration required.
• Address yourself.
• Address topics on the current agenda only.
• Comments are heard without debate from Council, Committee, or staff.

At the Meeting:

• The Chair will announce when it’s your time to speak. Approach the podium, turn on the microphone, state your name and organization, and begin your presentation.
  • Presentation Etiquette:
    • Stick to your topic, speak respectfully, and avoid offensive language.
    • Address comments to the Chair and refrain from debating.
    • Councillors may ask you questions for clarification after your presentation.
  • Time limits are strictly followed, but the Chair may allow a delegation to speak longer.
  • Direct your comments to the meeting Chair rather than to individual Councillors or Members.
  • Following your presentation, you may be asked questions by the Councillors or Members to clarify items in your presentation or for further information which may not have been provided.

After Speaking:

Once your presentation concludes and questions are answered, you'll be asked to sit.

• 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)