Delegations

The ability for the public to speak to its government is a privilege granted by the respective government authority to its constituents in a manner the government chooses. Particularly at the local government level, tradition has been to allow some form of deputation within a prescribed set of rules under a procedural by-law authorized by the Municipal Act, 2001. Those rules should maintain the notice of privilege and the ability of a chair to restrain anyone who abuses that privilege.

Regular Council or General Committee (GC) meeting

Delegations may be permitted to appear at General Committee or Council meetings, in accordance with the provisions of this Article 8 of the Procedural By-law. The deadline for registration is 4 p.m. on the Tuesday the week before the meeting. Please refer to the Council meeting schedule (located under resources).

If you would like to request to be a delegation at a future General Committee or Council meeting, please complete the delegation request form (located under resources).

Note: Delegations are limited to 10 minutes.

Audio/visual presentations

If you are making a presentation to Council with audio/visual needs, please forward the information to the office of the city clerk one week before the GC meeting.

Oral/written presentations

A photocopy of speaking notes, if any, is requested one week before the GC meeting.

Respectful Behaviour

The City of Welland is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all individuals participating in municipal meetings. All delegates, members of the public, and attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, whether participating in person or virtually.

As outlined in the City’s Respectful Public Behaviour Policy, behaviour that includes harassment, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, or any form of discrimination will not be tolerated. Disrespectful behaviour directed at Council, staff, other delegates, or members of the public may result in the delegation being ruled out of order by the Chair and removed from the meeting.

Participation in municipal decision-making is a privilege. Individuals who abuse this privilege by failing to act respectfully may have future delegation requests denied by the Office of the City Clerk, and serious incidents may be reported to the appropriate authorities.