Informal Channels
Communications shared through informal channels are not a matter of public record and are not referred to during Council's decision-making process. Informal channels of communication include correspondence with individual Council members. Councillors may be reached by email, phone, or by mail at:
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
Email: counciladmin@princegeorge.ca
Formal Channels
Communications shared through formal channels are a matter of public record and are documented and referred to in Council's decision-making process. This information is available through general inquiries and may be reported by the media. Formal channels of communication include:
City Council Meetings
Residents may communicate with Council by arranging to make a delegation presentation at a City Council meeting or by speaking on any application that is the subject of a public hearing.
Council Agenda Correspondence
Correspondence for inclusion on Council meeting agendas is an alternative to speaking at a Council meeting. These are public documents and are reviewed by Council at each meeting and published on the City's website.
Email a submission or mail it to:
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
Email:cityclerk@princegeorge.ca
Submissions must:
- Address Mayor and Council
- Clearly indicate that it is to be included on the Council meeting agenda
- Only include information meant to be on public record
- Be received by 12:00pm on the Monday immediately preceding the meeting day
- Be legible and signed, if handwritten
- Include a telephone number, which will be used to contact the writer for confirmation - in lieu of a signature - if emailed
Public Hearings
The City will hold an information or formal public hearing on various matters such as:
- Development Variance Permit applications
- Liquor License Applications
- Rezoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment applications
A Public Hearing's purpose is to give all interested persons the opportunity to voice their perspectives, support, opposition, and/or concerns to Council on any application that is the subject of the public hearing.
Public Notification
In accordance with local government legislation and City Bylaws, residents may be notified by mail or notice delivery of a Public Hearing date and time for a project in their area. A Notice of Public Hearing is also advertised in two consecutive issues of the local newspaper, on the City’s website, and posted on the bulletin board at City Hall. Residents who feel they are affected by any proposed development or bylaw changes will have the opportunity to voice their concerns at its public hearing.
Submissions to Council
Residents are invited to provide comments on a bylaw or application that is the subject of a public hearing. Any correspondence and petitions received before the public hearing is closed will be provided to Council. All submissions received prior to the close of the hearing will form part of the permanent record of the public hearing.
Comments/correspondence should be directed to
Corporate Officer in the Legislative Services Division. Residents may comment by:
- Attending the public hearing and providing verbal comments to City Council.
- Submitting written comments prior to the close of the public hearing.
Written correspondence will form part of the public record and will be available as part of the agenda following the Council meeting.
The address of the speaker is permitted to be collected through Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions or concerns related to the collection of this information can be directed to Legislative Services.
At the Public Hearing
Council’s role at a public hearing is to listen to the public. Council will not debate or challenge the comments but may ask questions of an individual speaker or Administration for clarification.
The Public Hearing is an opportunity for residents to have their views heard. No person should feel discouraged, intimated or be prevented from presenting their opinions. Decorum must be maintained at all times. Inappropriate language, outbursts, criticisms, or generalisations aimed at an individual or group will not be tolerated.
Any written materials and submissions considered by Council at the hearing will be available for review by the public during the hearing, and anyone wishing to comment on the content of those materials or submissions may do so.
Residents may voice their concerns, support, or opposition when the Chair calls for representations from Members of the Gallery. The Chair will determine the order of speakers.
Members of the public will be asked to provide their name and address for the record of the public hearing. If an individual is speaking on behalf of another person or organisation, they will be asked to identify the name of that person or organization and confirm that they have appropriate authorisation to speak on their behalf.
Speakers’ List
- The Chair may implement a Speakers’ List where members of the public may register their name in advance of the hearing.
- If a Speakers’ List is implemented, speakers will be called in the order that their name appears on the list.
- The list will be made available when Council Chambers opens to the public before the start of the regular Council meeting.
- Pre-registration is not permitted.
- A person wishing to speak for a second time must re-register their name at the end of the list, and will be called in the order that their name appears on the list.
Where a Speaker’s List is not used and/or the names on the list have all had opportunity to speak, the Chair will call three times, as a final invitation for the public to speak during the hearing.
Time Limit
An initial submission for all speakers is limited to fifteen (15) minutes. After all speakers have been heard for the first time, a speaker may speak for a second time with new information. A second and further submission for all speakers is limited to ten (10) minutes.
Electronic Media
If a speaker wishes to use a PowerPoint or other electronic media during their presentation, they must submit it to City staff in advance of the hearing. Electronic presentations without prior notice and submission will not be accommodated, however, a printed copy may be provided to Council for review and consideration.
after the public hearing
After the public hearing is closed, the bylaws are debated and voted upon by Council or consideration is given to approval of the subject permit application. After the public hearing is closed, Council may not receive further submissions from the applicant or the public regarding the application and/or bylaw(s) that were the subject of the hearing.
Delegation Presentations
Individuals and community groups may submit an application for permission to make a presentation at a City Council meeting as a delegation to share such things as community announcements or updates regarding initiatives, programs, or services. Up to two delegations may be heard at each meeting.
A delegation request form must be submitted at least two weeks before the proposed City Council meeting date.
An application to speak as a delegation at a City Council meeting may not be approved or the topic may instead be referred to an administrative department for a response, based on the subject matter. Applicants will be notified by Legislative Services regarding a request's outcome.
To learn more about the delegation process - including some topics or types of presentations that may not be approved - refer to section 22 of the Council Procedures Bylaw:
Presentation Guidelines
- There is a ten (10) minute maximum time limit
- Supporting documents or materials (i.e.: PowerPoint) must be received before 12:00pm on the Monday immediately preceding the meeting day (or as otherwise directed by Legislative Services staff)
- Direct communications to the Chair (typically "Your Worship")
- All communications should be limited to the stated business.
Resolution of Support for a Northern Development Initiative Trust Grant
Organisations may request a resolution in support of their Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) grant application from Mayor and Council by submitting correspondence to an upcoming Council meeting agenda.
For guidelines and correspondence requirements:
Special Requests
From time to time, members of the public contact the City to request formal acknowledgement for a local initiative, cause, occasion, person, or activity of significance. For more information:
Email:mayoradmin@princegeorge.ca