Appear Before Council

A delegation is your chance to speak directly to Council. Here's exactly how to do it.

How to request a delegation

Submit a written request to the Director of Corporate Services using the online form on castlegar.ca. The request must clearly outline the subject matter or proposal you intend to present. Include your name, contact information, and the specific Council meeting date you'd like to attend.

The Tuesday 4 pm deadline

Submissions must be received by 4:00 pm on the Tuesday immediately preceding the meeting at which you wish to present. Council allows a maximum of two delegations per meeting, scheduled first come, first served, so submitting early is smart.

Petitions submitted as part of a delegation must include names and residential addresses to be considered.

Heads up

Miss the deadline = wait two weeks

Council schedules delegations during the deadline window. If you miss the Tuesday 4 pm cutoff, your earliest slot is the meeting after next. For time-sensitive matters, plan ahead.

The presentation

Delegations are heard as one of the first items of meeting business, so you don’t have to sit through the full agenda. Arrive a few minutes before the meeting start time so the Mayor can call you forward when your slot comes up.

You have a maximum of 15 minutes to present. The time limit may only be extended by unanimous vote of the Council members present. Bring a clear, focused presentation: state what you’re asking for, why, and what you’d like Council to do.

Tip

What makes a good delegation

Most effective delegations land in three or four points, not fifteen. Lead with the ask (“I’m here because I’d like Council to…”), then give the why, then leave time for questions. If you have data or a proposal, send it in the morning of, so it can be added to the meeting package. Council members read everything that lands by then.

Good to know

If it’s your first time

Council is used to first-time delegates and the room is welcoming. The Mayor will introduce you, you take the microphone, and Council members listen. If you lose your place, breathe, look at your notes, and continue. Nobody expects a polished public-speaker performance.

What happens after

Council will receive the information presented and may refer the issue to staff for a report or for consideration at a future meeting. Council does not typically debate or decide on a delegation's matter the same evening, the meeting is for receiving input, not instant decisions.

Public record

All submissions become part of the public record. The meeting agenda is published on the City website and includes any materials you submit. Council Chambers have audio and video recording devices, and the proceedings are recorded, broadcasted, and posted publicly.

Other ways to be heard

If a 15-minute formal delegation isn't the right fit, you have other options:

Send a letter or email to Council that becomes part of the meeting correspondence package.
Attend a Public Hearing for a specific bylaw or development application; you can speak without pre-registering.
Submit budget feedback during the annual Budget Open House window to budget@castlegar.ca.
Email Council directly on a single topic (Mayor and Councillors all have public email addresses).

Common questions

When's the next deadline?

4:00 pm on the Tuesday immediately before the next Council meeting. Council typically meets first and third Mondays.

How long do I have to speak?

Up to 15 minutes. Time can be extended only by unanimous vote of Council members present.

Will Council vote on my matter that night?

Almost never. Council usually receives the information and refers it to staff for a report. Decisions come at a later meeting.

Will my name and what I say be public?

Yes. Submissions and presentations are part of the public record. Meetings are recorded, broadcast, and posted publicly.

Can I send written input instead of presenting?

Yes. Letters or emails to Council become part of the meeting correspondence. That's often a better fit for shorter, more focused input.

What if I want to comment on a specific bylaw?

Public Hearings are held for certain bylaw amendments (zoning changes, OCP amendments, etc). You can speak at a Public Hearing without pre-registering.

What to do next

Council meeting schedule

Upcoming meeting dates and agendas.

Mayor & Council

Who's on Council and how to reach them.

City budget

Budget input window each spring.

Submit a delegation request

Email the Director of Corporate Services.

Still need help?

Talk to Legislative Services

Phone: 250-365-8953
Email: nbrown@castlegar.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
In person: City Hall, 460 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar, BC

Submit a request online

Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.

Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.