Council meetings and public forums

Council meetings

The formal decision-making process of a council is through council meetings, which councillors are required to attend. The meetings are also attended by the General Manager and members of the Executive Leadership Team who provide information or advice when called upon.

The ordinary meetings of council are held at 2:00pm every third Tuesday of the month in the Council Chambers at the Administration Building, however a varied program often applies over December and January. Additional extraordinary meetings of council may also be called to enable it to discuss and decide upon specific matters, such as the annual budget.

Meetings are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend in person or to view the live proceedings online. Before attending a meeting, please read the meeting procedures which include information on how to submit questions.

Business paper agendas for Council meetings are available for the public to view online and at council's offices from the Friday prior to the meeting. Unconfirmed minutes are available for the public to view online following Council meetings.

Public forums

From time-to-time public forum sessions are held prior to council meetings starting at 1:30pm. The forums are included as part of the day's webcasts, covering matters that do not require a resolution of council.

Members of the public wishing to speak at a public forum must submit an application to council by 4:30pm on the day before the public forum is to be held. The application must identify the business on the council meeting agenda that the person wishes to speak on and also identify whether they wish to speak 'for' or 'against' the item.  A person may apply to speak on a maximum of two items of business from the day's agenda. 

Concerns can also be submitted in writing. These will be provided to councillors and acknowledged by the mayor at the beginning of the public forum.

Application Form to Speak at Public Forum(PDF, 161KB)