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1. What is a Public Hearing?

In accordance with the section 464 of the Local Government Act, a local government must hold a public hearing prior to adopting an official community bylaw, a zoning bylaw, or a bylaw under section 548 (early termination of land use contracts). 

In December 2023, the Provincial Government implemented Bill 44 – 2023 Housing Statues (Residential Development) Amendment Act prohibiting local governments from holding public hearings for:

• Residential rezoning applications consistent with the Official Community Plan (OCP); 
• Amendments to the Zoning Bylaw that facilitate small scale multiple unit housing; and
• Mixed-use projects that are consistent with the OCP, where at least half of the proposed gross floor area is residential.

Public Hearings are chaired by the Mayor or Acting Mayor and held to provide the public with an opportunity to convey their views on proposed land use amendments.

2. What is a Public Notice?

Public Hearings are advertised prior to the scheduled Public Hearing. In most instances, Public Notices are also mailed to owners and occupants of surrounding properties (within 100 metres of the land that is the subject of the application) and signs are posted on the subject property at least 10 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing.

3. What is a Public Hearing Brief?

The Planning and Development Department Brief is provided to Council in advance of Public Hearings containing any further information requested by Council at First Reading of the Bylaw and prior to the Public Hearing. The Brief is available to the public on the Friday prior to the Public Hearing.