Public Hearing Process

Richmond County Council holds public hearings to gather community input on important decisions. Public hearings provide an opportunity for residents to share their views on proposed changes to land use, bylaws, and other matters that affect the community.

What is a Public Hearing?

A public hearing is a formal meeting where Council hears from members of the public before making a decision. Public hearings are typically held for:

Land use applications and rezoning
Changes to land use by-laws
Other by-laws created by Council under the authority of the Municipal Government Act

Who Can Participate?

Public hearings are open to all members of the public. If you believe you are affected by a proposed change, you are encouraged to participate by making an oral presentation or submitting written comments.

How Public Hearings are Advertised

Public hearings are advertised at least 14 days in advance. Notices typically appear in:

The Reporter newspaper
Richmond County Richmond website
Richmond County FaceBook page
Telile TV Scroll
St. Peter's TV Scroll

How to Participate

There are two ways to participate in a public hearing:

Written Submissions

You can submit written comments in favour of or in opposition to the matter being considered. Written submissions should be received by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the public hearing, though submissions received up to the time of the hearing will be accepted. All submissions become part of the official record of the hearing.

Submit written comments by:

Mail:

Municipal Clerk
Municipality of the County of Richmond
P.O. Box 120, 2357 Hwy 206
Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

Email:
Fax: (902) 226-1510

Oral Presentations

You can speak directly to Council during the public hearing. Oral presentations can 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, OR
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.

After the Public Hearing

After the public hearing, Council will review all presentations and written submissions before making a decision. All input becomes part of the public record and is considered in Council's deliberations.