What is a public hearing?
A Public Hearing is a quasi-judicial process. It is a special meeting of City Council. The Mayor (or Deputy Mayor) is the chair of the meeting and at least six members (a quorum) of City Council must be present to proceed. The purpose of a Public Hearing is to consider and decide on a rezoning application. Zoning by-laws are different than most City by-laws. City Council must hold a Public Hearing before Council can change a zoning by-law. Members of the public can present to City Council their comments or concerns about a proposed zoning by-law change. The change is presented in the form of an application. Council may consider more than one application at a public hearing. Public comments or concerns are directed to the merits of the application. Council cannot entertain any other discussion unrelated to the specific application. Citizens occasionally construe a Public Hearing as their opportunity to question Council members. However, Council members are not obliged to answer question
