This is an overview of how to delegate/speak at a council meeting. This post was written on May 3, 2024, and was accurate at that time. The city may change their policies overtime and it is best to check the city website for new information before planning on delegating.
You can delegate in person or virtually.
The calendar of meetings is here: https://events.burlington.ca/meetings
Most people speak about an item on the meeting agenda. Meeting agendas are usually made available a few days before the meeting. Use the link above, find the meeting you are interested in, and click on the agenda HTML link. On the agenda details web page, you can often click on items in blue and get additional details about the agenda item. Reports or other details may be available.
The city website states:
“If you wish to speak regarding a matter not listed on an agenda, a member of Council must sponsor the item. Contact your ward Councillor directly to make this request.”
“If you wish to speak at an upcoming meeting, you must register by noon the business day before the meeting. For Monday meetings, the deadline is Friday at noon.”
The most reliable way to register is to call 905-335-7600 ext. 7702 or email clerks@burlington.ca
You can speak for 10 minutes to standing committees and 5 minutes to the council. You will be timed and you will be cut off at the 5-minute mark.
More details are available on the city’s website:
When you delegate virtually the city uses Zoom. The clerk will email you the meeting details including the Zoom link. Join the meeting early. You’ll be placed in a virtual waiting room where you can listen to and see the meeting. When it’s your turn to speak someone at city hall will move you into the virtual main meeting room. After you have delegated, you’ll be returned to the virtual waiting room.
What to expect.
You can provide PowerPoint slides to the city, which will be shown during your meeting. The city will always ask you to send in your notes but this is not required.
After you delegate council members may ask you questions. If a councillor asks you a question you can talk for as long as you need to. You are not allowed to ask questions back but sometimes a useful conversation takes place. Some councillors may be on your side and the questions may be an opportunity to bring up additional information. It helps to mentally prepare for what questions might be asked and have some potential answers ready.
This is an example of an exceptional delegation.
