Appearing Before Council

Access to local government is an important and valuable part of our democratic process. If you have an issue about which you'd like to address Council, you can do so in the public forum of a Council meeting.

Making a Delegation

If you'd like to appear before Council, simply contact the Clerk who will advise the best date and time to make the presentation. 

Since agendas are prepared almost a week prior to Council meetings, delegations must also be booked with the Clerk at least a week prior to a meeting date. Any documentation, letters, slide shows or drawings to be presented to Council are to be provided to the Clerk, preferably in electronic format, within the same time frame so they can be included in the Council agenda package. Handouts are not permitted on the day of Council since that doesn't give Councillors or staff enough time to review, research or provide useful comment.

Certain issues may not be permitted to be discussed in a public meeting. These include issues about identifiable individuals (i.e. complaints about a person or business), legal matters in which the municipality is involved, and issues that are outside the purview (i.e. neighbour disputes). A discussion with the Clerk will help navigate this territory.

It's worth noting that a delegation is not a roundtable discussion with Council members. A delegation provides an opportunity for the public to be heard about their views on an issue. Councillors may ask questions of the delegate and then Councillors will discuss the issue among themselves.Council meetings are conducted within certain legislative foundations and established protocols where acceptable behaviour, conduct and actions are expected.

The Township of Algonquin Highlands Council Meetings are recorded and broadcast live publicly online.

Please be advised that if you make a presentation, speak or appear at the meeting venue during a meeting, you, your comments and/or your presentation may be recorded, broadcast and/or recorded in the meeting Minutes.

By submitting information, including print or electronic information, for presentation to the Township’s Council or Committees you are indicating that you consent to the disclosure of your personal information, and have obtained the consent of persons whose personal information is included in the information to be disclosed to the public.

Your information is collected for the purpose of informed decision-making and transparency under various municipal statutes and by-laws and in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, Planning Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Township’s Procedure By-law.

To appear before Council, please contact the Municipal Clerk.