Municipal government is one of the most hands-on levels of government. We're your local representation, and we rely on you, the residents of Burlington, to keep us informed and on track. That is why we encourage people to speak at Council and committee meetings. It's one of the best ways for us to make sure we're representing the interests of the community.
Speaking at a Council or committee meeting is easier than you may think. If you wish to speak at a Council or committee meeting, you must first register to speak at a meeting. Please review the list of presentation tips and the Electronic Meetings and Remote Participation Guide to help you prepare for your presentation.
Listed below are the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions or need further details, feel free to email clerks@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7600, ext. 7481.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a delegation?
- What is a standing committee?
- How long am I able to speak for?
- What is the deadline to register to speak?
- What if I wish to speak to an item that is not on an agenda?
- Where and when are the meetings?
- Where do I find an agenda for standing committee and Council?
Post-Delegation Survey
After you have delegated to committee or Council, please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on the process of registering and delegating.
What is a Delegation?
Delegations are individuals or groups requesting to speak at a standing committee or Council meeting. In order to speak at a Council or committee meeting, individuals must first register as a delegation. Delegations are encouraged to bring their information to the appropriate standing committee to allow members to consider all information before making their recommendations to Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, delegations are being heard virtually via Zoom and delegates can connect using a computer, tablet or telephone.
What is a Standing Committee?
Each of the City's five standing committees has a focused mandate related to the services and operations of the city. Standing committees are made up of all members of Council with the exception of the Audit Committee, which is made up of four members of Council and four resident members. Standing committees receive and debate reports from City staff on key issues that affect our community. Recommendations made by standing committees go to the next City Council meeting for approval.
How long am I able to speak for?
Each delegation is allowed one spokesperson who will be allowed a maximum of ten minutes to address standing committees and five minutes to address Council.
What is the deadline to register to speak?
If you wish to speak at an upcoming meeting, you must register by noon the day before the meeting. For Monday meetings, the deadline is Friday at noon.
What if I wish to speak to an item that is not on an agenda?
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 are unsure who your ward Councillor is, visit the Find your Councillor Ward page for assistance. Once you have received confirmation that your item has been placed on an agenda, please submit a delegation registration form to ensure that you are scheduled to speak at the committee meeting.
Where and when are the meetings?
The City of Burlington has implemented hybrid Council and standing committee meetings, providing you with the option of speaking at a meeting in-person at city hall, 426 Brant St. or virtually via Zoom. Meetings are held in accordance with the calendar set annually and approved by Council. Meetings may change and delegations that register by noon the day before the meeting will receive confirmation of both the meeting and their delegation status. Changes to locations and times will be posted on the City's website.
Where do I find an agenda for Standing Committee and Council?
Agendas for standing committee and Council meetings are posted on the city calendar. Standing committee agendas are available online on the Monday prior to the standing committee meeting and the agendas for Council on the Friday afternoon prior to the Tuesday Council meeting. Limited hard copies of the agenda are also available at the meeting.