Appear Before Council

How to request a delegation

Submit a written request to the Director of Corporate Services using the online form on silvermere.example. The request must clearly outline the subject matter or proposal you intend to present. Include your name, contact information, and the specific Council meeting date you'd like to attend.

The Tuesday 4 pm deadline

Submissions must be received by 4:00 pm on the Tuesday immediately preceding the meeting at which you wish to present. Council allows a maximum of two delegations per meeting, scheduled first come, first served, so submitting early is smart.

Petitions submitted as part of a delegation must include names and residential addresses to be considered.

The presentation

Delegations are heard as one of the first items of meeting business, so you don’t have to sit through the full agenda. Arrive a few minutes before the meeting start time so the Mayor can call you forward when your slot comes up.

You have a maximum of 15 minutes to present. The time limit may only be extended by unanimous vote of the Council members present. Bring a clear, focused presentation: state what you’re asking for, why, and what you’d like Council to do.

What happens after

Council will receive the information presented and may refer the issue to staff for a report or for consideration at a future meeting. Council does not typically debate or decide on a delegation's matter the same evening, the meeting is for receiving input, not instant decisions.

Public record

All submissions become part of the public record. The meeting agenda is published on the City website and includes any materials you submit. Council Chambers have audio and video recording devices, and the proceedings are recorded, broadcasted, and posted publicly.

Other ways to be heard

If a 15-minute formal delegation isn't the right fit, you have other options:

• Send a letter or email to Council that becomes part of the meeting correspondence package.
• Attend a Public Hearing for a specific bylaw or development application; you can speak without pre-registering.
• Submit budget feedback during the annual Budget Open House window to budget@silvermere.example.
• Email Council directly on a single topic (Mayor and Councillors all have public email addresses).