Virtual Public Hearings

Regional Council has approved procedures for Virtual Public Hearings. The procedures for Virtual Public Hearings are outlined in Appendix B of Administrative Order One, Respecting the Procedures of the Council. [PDF]

Are you looking for information about in-person Public Hearings? 

These hearings are open for anyone to speak at or to submit written comments and are your chance to share your opinions and views on specific topics with Regional Council or community councils.

Public hearings are typically held to discuss:
•    planning and development related matters
•    new by-laws or changes to existing by-laws
 

How can I find out about upcoming virtual public hearings?

Upcoming public hearings for planning matters are advertised at least 7 days in advance. The advertisements can be found here.

Public Hearings for other matters are advertised at least 14 days in advance, typically  in The Chronicle Herald  (with the exception of By-Law N-200 Noise Exemption applications). 

These advertisements will include the date and time of the hearing, whether the hearing is virtual or in-person, and deadlines for submitting written correspondence and registering as a speaker. 

Advertisements on Halifax.ca will be placed on the information page for the Case.  You can also check our public notices, summary of public hearings page, and the upcoming agendas, meetings and reports listing. 

How will I know if an upcoming hearing is virtual or in-person?

Information about whether the hearing will be virtual or in-person will be included in the advertisement, and at the top of the meeting agenda.

How do I sign up to speak at a virtual public hearing?

The public hearing ad will include the deadline for registration. You must register by the deadline in the ad in order to speak. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All virtual meetings will be audio and/or video recorded for the purpose of creating a record of the proceedings.   If you do not wish to be recorded, do not sign up to speak.   We do encourage you to provide a written submission via clerks@halifax.ca

We encourage all residents who think they may wish to speak to sign up by the deadline. 

Following the deadline, if you change your mind and no longer wish to speak you can always ask to have your name removed. 

When registering you can only add your own name to the list and not the name of another person.

To be placed on the speakers list for an upcoming advertised Public Hearing, individuals can do one of the following:

  • Send an email to clerks@halifax.ca. (Preferred) - If you’re signing up via email and you don’t receive a response from us within 1 business day, please phone our office at 902-490-4210 to confirm receipt.  Please ensure you check your email’s junk/spam folder regularly.
  • Call 902.490.4210. 
  • Send a fax to the Clerk's Office at 902.490.4208 and include a call back phone number or email.  

When signing up please include:

  • The meeting body (e.g. Regional Council or Community Council) if you know it, the planning case number or civic address
  • First and Last Name
  • community of residence 
  • email address 
  • telephone number

During the public hearing you will have up to 5 minutes to provide your comments on the matter via Zoom. Speakers will be called in the order they signed up. 

How do I submit written comments for a virtual public hearing?

You may submit written comments for a public hearing to the Municipal Clerk's Office. Your comments must be received by the deadline in the public hearing advertisement. Comments received after this time will not be distributed. 

Your comments must include at least your first initial, last name and a contact method (e.g. email address). Anonymous submissions will not be distributed.

Email (clerks@halifax.ca) is the preferred method, but submissions can also be sent via mail (please allow sufficient time for delivery) and fax. 

Mailing Address:
Municipal Clerk’s Office 
Halifax Regional Municipality
PO Box 1749
Halifax, NS
B3J 3A5

Fax:
902.490.4208 (please include a call back phone number or email)

What will happen to my written comments?

Your written comments will be distributed to members of Regional Council or the community council, as well as relevant staff. They will be kept on file as part of the official public record.

As part of the public record, your comments will be distributed to other members of the public on request. Your signature and contact information will be removed before your comments are distributed to the public; however, your full submission may be viewed by request in the Municipal Clerk's Office.

What will happen during the public hearing?

  • Webcasts of Virtual Public Hearings at Regional Council and Community Councils will be available. Members of the public may watch the meeting but are not able to actively participate.   
  • Staff will begin the hearing by giving a presentation outlining the topic of the hearing, the process that has been undertaken to this point in the process, and an assessment against all relevant Municipal policies or by-laws. 
  • Staff will answer any questions members of Council or Community Council may have based on the presentation they just received.
  • The public hearing will be open. 
  • The applicant (where applicable) will give their presentation.
  • The applicant will answer any questions members of Council or Community Council may have based on the presentation they just received.
  • Public Hearing speakers who registered by the deadline, will then be called using the order on the speakers list maintained by the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Speakers will have 5 minutes each to state their opinions on the proposed change which is the subject of the hearing.
  • Once the last speaker has been heard, the applicant will be given an opportunity to briefly respond to comments made by the public at the hearing.
  • The public hearing will close. 
  • Staff may be asked questions of clarification as a result of the hearing from members of Council or Community Council. 
  • Council or Community Council will deliberate. They may make their decision at that time, or they may defer it to a future date. They will not hear any further speakers or accept any further written comments on the topic.

What will happen if there isn't enough time to hear all the speakers?

If the virtual public hearing can’t be finished on the original date, Council or community council will choose a date for a continuation. Only the remaining people whose names are on the speakers list who registered in advance may speak at the continuation.

How can I learn more about a Virtual Public Hearing topic?

Virtual Public Hearings are included as part of Regional Council or community council meetings. Meeting agendas and reports are available online.

More Questions? 

If you have more questions about Virtual Public Hearings, please contact the Municipal Clerk's Office.