Public hearing introduction
Public hearings are required by the Local Government Act to allow public representations to Council regarding the municipality’s Official Community Plan, some zoning amendment bylaws and / or an early termination of a land use contract bylaw.
Public Hearings take place between the second and third readings of a bylaw amendment. The time and date of the Public Hearing are published in advance on the Notice of Public Hearing, but are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of every month to commence at 5:30 p.m. There may be more than one Public Hearing held on the same night. Provincial legislation prohibits Public Hearings on some land use zoning amendment bylaws. Alternatives for providing comment will be shared.
Accessing the virtual public hearing
All Public Hearings will be held electronically. Links for the virtual Public Hearings will be posted on the individual Public Hearings Pages, accessible via the Public Hearings and Development Input webpage. You can join the virtual Public Hearing through your smart phone, tablet, or by using a computer. You will not require a camera to participate but a microphone is required if you wish to make a submission.
You can also obtain information about joining the virtual Public Hearing by calling the Planning Department before the Public Hearing at 604-932-8170.
What happens at a public hearing?
All Public Hearings follow the same procedure:
- The Mayor reads an opening statement to the public, indicating what will happen next.
- Staff may present on the proposed bylaw.
- Members of Council may ask questions but will not speak their views or debate the bylaw.
- Applicants may make a verbal submission immediately after the staff presentation, in which case the Planning File Manager needs to know the names of the people speaking one week prior to the public hearing. Alternatively, the applicant may speak as a member of the public.
- Members of the public are invited to make verbal or written submissions.
- Each speaker must commence remarks by clearly stating their name and address.
- Written submissions can be made no later than noon on the day of the scheduled meeting. Written submissions are to be sent to corporate@whistler.ca.
- When there are no further verbal or written submissions, the Public Hearing is declared closed.
Please note that the Public Hearing is live-streamed and recorded online for public viewing through the RMOW’s website archives. By attending the event, you consent to your personal information being collected and disclosed as per sections 26(c), 26(g), 33.1(1)(q), and 33.2(a) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Your only opportunity to comment on the proposed bylaw is prior to and during the Public Hearing. Council is not permitted to receive further submissions once it has closed the Public Hearing. All submissions will form part of the public record.
How to make a written submission
If you wish to submit written comments for a Public Hearing, they must be received no later than noon on the day of the scheduled Public Hearing, they will not be accepted after.
Letters must:
- Be addressed “to Mayor and Council”
- Contain your neighbourhood and city
- Specify the Bylaw on which your letter is commenting.
All submissions will form part of the public record.
Development input opportunities
Members of the public are provided opportunities for comment on certain land use and development applications consistent with statutory requirements, provincial legislation and RMOW practices. Find more information about currently scheduled Public Hearings, notices of Public Hearings waived, notices of intention to issue development variance permits, Board of Variance hearings and public input opportunities for rezoning applications at development input.
