Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we're holding public hearings electronically by Zoom video webinar until further notice.  Starting on April 26, 2022, Council Chambers will be open for in-person attendance at Public Hearings.  Information on each public hearing and ways to participate can be found below. 

Public hearings are distinct from council meetings. When a local government is creating or amending a bylaw for an official community plan, zoning, phased development agreement, or termination of a land use contract, a public hearing must be held after first reading of the bylaw and before third reading. Public hearings are not required for other types of bylaws and permits.

At the public hearing, all persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard. This involves an opportunity to make a speech or presentation to the elected officials or to present a written submission.

The Local Government Act legislates the specific provisions and requirements for local government public hearings. Learn more at gov.bc.ca.

For information on viewing and attending council meetings, please visit our Viewing and Speaking at Council Meetings page.

Submitting input for the public hearing
Anyone who believes they are affected by the proposed bylaw amendments may submit input either in writing or by attending the electronic meeting. Written input may be submitted by email to clerks@portmoody.ca or by fax to 604-469-4550, and must be received by noon on the day of the public hearing. Interested parties may also register to attend the electronic public hearing by participating in the Zoom video webinar. Participants of the electronic public hearing will be able to provide input verbally. Instructions on attending the electronic public hearing are below. Please note that there is no option to participate by telephone. Anyone who is uncertain of their ability to participate electronically is encouraged to send in their submission in writing before the deadline to ensure that their submission is received. Those who wish to view the public hearing without participating may do so by viewing the livestream at portmoody.ca/watchlive.
Attending the electronic public hearing

Public hearings will be held electronically through a Zoom video webinar and livestreamed on the City's website. Participants may join the webinar using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer with speakers and a microphone. If you wish to attend a public hearing as a participant, you may register below:

You will need to provide your first name, last name, email address, and city of residence. You do not need to have a Zoom account to participate in the electronic public hearing. Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to join the Public Hearing as a participant. When you are in the webinar, you may use the raise hand function to indicate that you wish to speak. Using the raise hand function will automatically place you in a speakers’ queue. When it is your turn to speak, the chairperson will call you by name, and you will be able to speak for up to five minutes. If you wish to speak again, you may use the raise hand function to be placed back into the speakers’ queue. For more information on using the raise hand function and to see what the function looks like on the various platforms, please consult this help article at the Zoom support website.
Questions and answers

Public hearings are supposed to be open to the public at a physical location. How can you hold this public hearing electronically?
The provincial government issued a Ministerial Order (MO192) to enable local governments to safely hold public hearings to make important land use planning decisions while following the Provincial Health Officer’s order prohibiting mass gatherings and the advice to maintain physical distancing of two metres. Section 13 of MO192 allows public hearings to be conducted by means of electronic or other communication facilities. The Ministerial Order applies during the state of emergency. 

What will happen to this electronic public hearing if the physical distancing recommendations end before the date of the public hearing and in-person meetings become possible?
As notification requirements for public hearings do not allow for changes to public hearing procedures after notification is undertaken, the scheduled public hearings will be held electronically regardless of the situation with COVID-19, as long as the Ministerial Order allowing for electronic public hearings remains in effect. In the event that the Ministerial Order expires and is not renewed, and no transitional directive to allow for electronic public hearings is received from the provincial government, the electronic public hearing will be cancelled, and a regular public hearing will be scheduled for the next available date. 

What equipment do I need to join the electronic public hearing?
You can join the electronic public hearing using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer with speakers and a microphone. You will also need to have an internet connection (broadband wired or wireless). If you are using a smartphone or a tablet, you will need to download the Zoom app in order to join the meeting. For detailed system requirements, please visit the Zoom support website. 

I do not have the means to participate in the electronic public hearing but would like to provide input. What can I do?
If you are unable to participate in the electronic public hearing but would like to provide input, please submit your input in writing by emailing clerks@portmoody.ca or faxing 604-469-4550 before the deadline of noon on the day of the public hearing. 

Can I provide verbal input by dialing in to the electronic public hearing with a telephone?
No. You will not be able to dial in to the electronic public hearing by telephone. 

My concerns about cyber security are preventing me from participating in this public hearing. Can I still participate in the electronic public hearing?
The only way to participate in the electronic public hearing is by registering for and joining the Zoom video webinar. If your concerns about cyber security are preventing you from participating in the electronic public hearing, please submit your input in writing by emailing clerks@portmoody.ca or faxing 604-469-4550 before the deadline of noon on the day of the public hearing. You can view the livestream of the electronic public hearing without registering at portmoody.ca/watchlive.

What if I become disconnected during the electronic public hearing?
If you become disconnected from the electronic public hearing webinar, you can reconnect. There are no limits on how many times you can leave and re-enter the electronic public hearing. Please note that when you leave the electronic public hearing while you are in the speakers’ queue, you will lose your place. If you wish to speak when you return, you must use the raise hand function again. If you are not confident that you can join the electronic public hearing and stay connected, you are encouraged to submit your comments in writing before noon on the day of the public hearing by emailing clerks@portmoody.ca or faxing 604-469-4550. 

How is my personal information going to be collected and stored?
Your first name, last name, email address, and city of residence are required for registering to join the electronic public hearing. The information collected will only be used for the administration of the specific electronic public hearing for which you are registering. The information will be stored within Canada and will be automatically deleted 30 days after the date of the electronic public hearing.