Public Hearings: How to Participate
What is a Public Hearing?
A public hearing is a formal opportunity for Council to hear from residents before making a decision. Public hearings are typically held for land use applications, changes to land use by-laws, municipal by-laws, and other matters where public input is required by legislation or requested by Council.
How Public Hearings Are Advertised
Public hearings are advertised at least 14 days in advance. Notices may be posted on the Richmond County website and shared through the Richmond County Facebook page, The Reporter newspaper, Telile TV Scroll, and St. Peter's TV Scroll.
How to Participate
You may participate by submitting written comments, speaking during the hearing, or both.
Submit Written Comments
You may submit comments in favour of or in opposition to the matter being considered. Written comments become part of the official record.
Written comments are encouraged by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the public hearing. Comments received up to the start of the hearing will also be accepted.
Mail:
Municipal Clerk
Municipality of the County of Richmond
P.O. Box 120, 2357 Highway 206
Arichat, NS B0E 1A0
Register to Speak
You may speak directly to Council during the public hearing. Oral presentations may be in favour of or in opposition to the matter being considered.
To register to speak:
- Contact the Municipal Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the public hearing.
- Register in person on the evening of the meeting.
We recommend arriving at Council Chambers at the beginning of the meeting if you plan to speak.
Attend the Hearing
You are welcome to attend and listen, even if you do not submit written comments or speak during the hearing.
After the Public Hearing
After the public hearing, Council considers the presentations and written submissions before making a decision. All input becomes part of the public record and is considered as part of Council's deliberations at a special or regular meeting of Council. This meeting may take place later that evening or on another date.
Public Record
Written comments and oral presentations become part of the public record and may be included in a public agenda package or meeting minutes.
Personal information that is not required for the public record, such as civic addresses and contact information, may be redacted before publication in accordance with Part XX of Nova Scotia’s Municipal Government Act and other applicable legislation.