Upcoming Public Hearing:
Monday, December 3, 2024: Lot A and C Gibsons Way
What is the purpose of a Public Hearing
The purpose of a Public Hearing is for members of public to express their views to Council on planning and land use issues that may effect them. While a Council member may have a position on an issue, they each come to the Public Hearing with an open mind, to listen to and hear from the public. There is no opportunity at the hearing to debate points-of-view.
How to participate:
1. Submit written comments: Written submissions are given equal consideration to in person submissions. Letters can be received up until the adjournment of the meeting. When the Public Hearing is closed, Council is not permitted to receive or consider any further submissions.
- Forward comments to planning@gibsons.ca, or
- Drop off in person at Town Hall, 474 South Fletcher Road, Gibsons
2. Speak live at a Hearing: Anyone who would like to speak at a Public Hearing can do so.
3. Watch live on YouTube: Town of Gibsons YouTube page.
Speaking Guidelines:
- Your comments must be relevant to the item being considered at the Public Hearing.
- State your name and address and the item you are speaking to.
- You will have three minutes to speak.
- State whether you support or oppose the item
Privacy
Please note that the opinions you express orally and any presentations you submit to the Town of Gibsons will be streamed live and will be recorded to form a part of the public record. Correspondence you submit will form part of the public record and will be published on the agenda. The Town considers your address relevant to this matter and will disclose this personal information as it informs Council’s consideration of your opinion in relation to the subject property, and is authorized under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Your phone number and email will not be disclosed. For more information on the FOIPPA, please email planning@gibsons.ca.
The Process
The Local Government Act requires that a Public Hearing be held before Council adopts an amendment to the Zoning Regulation Bylaw, an Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw or a land use contract termination.
At least 10 days before the Public Hearing is held, a notice is sent to property owners and occupiers within a radius of 100 metres of the subject property. In addition, a notice is published in two consecutive issues of a local newspaper.
At the Public Hearing, all persons who consider their interest in property affected by a proposed zoning or OCP Bylaw amendment, will be given an opportunity to present their views to Council. It is requested that speakers keep their comments to the subject of the proposed rezoning.
Did You Know?
- At the Public Hearing, Council will not debate the merits of the proposed bylaw nor enter into dialogue with the public. There is no opportunity at the hearing to debate points-of-view expressed by other members of the public.
- Presentations or submissions must be received by Council before the Public Hearing. When the Public Hearing is closed, Council is not permitted to receive or consider any further submissions.
- After the Public Hearing, Council will discuss, express opinions and vote on the third reading and adoption of the proposed bylaw amendments. If Council does not support the bylaw at third reading, the bylaw may be defeated or Council may postpone its decision until further information is received from staff. Council may only receive information from staff and the information may only address issues raised at the Public Hearing.
- It is important to note and understand that Council has not made up its mind on the issue. While a Council member may have a position on an issue, they each come to the Public Hearing with an open mind, to listen to and hear from the public. You are being given the opportunity for Council to hear your views and opinions on the application.
Gibsons Council is committed to ensuring that all people who speak at a Public Hearing are treated in a fair and respectful manner. No form of discrimination is acceptable or tolerated. This includes discrimination because of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or economic status. This Virtual Council Chamber is a place where all human rights are respected and where we all take responsibility to create a safe, inclusive environment for everyone to participate.
