Public hearings are held in Council Chambers - Town Hall (309B Macleod Trail SW, High River AB T1V IZ5). Members of the public can view and, where applicable, participate in virtual public hearings on the Town's website and YouTube channel.

According to the Municipal Government Act, Council must hold a public hearing before the second reading of a bylaw or before they vote on a resolution regarding matters, which include but are not limited to:

• Disposal of municipal and school reserve;
• Removal of municipal reserve designation;
• Change to environmental reserve use or boundaries;
• Land use planning bylaws;
• Land use bylaw and its amendments;
• Municipal development plan;
• Area structure plans;
• Area redevelopment plans;
• Intermunicipal development plans.

Town Council may also choose to hold a non-statutory public hearing for matters where it deems it necessary.

Comments may be submitted in writing or verbally during a public hearing. All submissions to a public hearing must be received seven days before or during a hearing. Submissions cannot be made following the conclusions of public representations.

Note: All submissions become public documents, including any personal information contained within them.

Written comments must be sent to the Manager of Legislative Services:

• Email: legislativeservices@highriver.ca
• In-person or by mail: Town of High River, Attn: Manager of Legislative Services, 309B Macleod Trail SW, High River AB T1V IZ5

• If you are unable to attend a public hearing, you can participate in the process by submitting your comments in writing to: legislativeservices@highriver.ca by the deadline set out in the advertisement.
• Alternatively, you may complete the Authorization to Speak on Someone's Behalf form in advance and arrange for somebody to share your comments with Council.
• Any person may make verbal comments at the public hearing, provided that they do not exceed 5 minutes. In order to make verbal comments during a virtual public hearing, please submit the Request to Speak at a Council Meeting form.

1. The Mayor will call the hearing to order.
2. The Manager of Legislative Services will state the purpose of the public hearing and how it was advertised and notify Council regarding the number of submissions received by the due date. Any submissions received after the due date but before the adjournment of the public hearing will be included in the meeting minutes, and their submissions will be included in the public hearing record.
3. The Mayor will then invite Town Administration to provide context and background for the matter under consideration.
4. If there is an applicant, that person or their agent will be asked by the Mayor to present the content of their request. This is the only opportunity for the applicant to speak unless asked a question by Council.
5. Council will have an opportunity to ask questions of Administration and the applicant.
6. The Mayor will invite members of the public to speak. Typically, the Mayor will alternate between those in favour, those opposed, and those who are neutral. Speakers must confine their comments to five minutes, not including time for any questions from Council.
7. The Mayor will allow Administration to provide closing comments.
8. The Mayor will adjourn the public hearing. Council may not accept any further formal submissions after the hearing closes.

Once a public hearing has been adjourned, Council may not consider further public input. This means that any comments received after the hearing cannot be formally recognized by Council or become part of the public record. After the public hearing, the Council will decide to:

• Make amendments (if necessary) and pass the bylaw;
• Defeat the bylaw;
• Postpone consideration of the bylaw to another date or
• Make a decision regarding passing a resolution or other action considered in relation to the public hearing.

After the public hearing adjourns, the Manager of Legislative Services will prepare a record of the public hearing that includes the minutes from the public hearing.

The minutes will record:

• The names of Administration and the applicant, or representatives of the applicant, who presented at the hearing; and
• The names and addresses of the members of the public who provided written and/or verbal submissions, along with a general indication of support, opposition, or neutrality. A summary of the presentation and/or copies of any written materials provided in advance of the deadline will not be included in the minutes.

The record of public submissions will include:

• The approved minutes;
• Written submissions received from administration, the applicant, and members of the public, and
• A copy of the recording of the meeting.
• Decisions Requiring a Public Hearing