Public Hearings

Please note: Public Hearings are scheduled to take place in the Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium until further notice, to provide enough space for proper physical distancing of attendees, Council members and City staff. Please help us protect each other by following all safety protocols that are in place, as per the guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer.

Public hearings are held when changes to zoning bylaws or an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment is proposed. All Public Hearings are advertised in the local newspaper and on this website.

If you feel you will be impacted by any proposed changes to zoning bylaws or the OCP, you have the opportunity to voice your concerns at its Public Hearing.

Speaking at Public Hearings

You can present your concerns in person by attending the related Public Hearing where you will be given every reasonable opportunity to speak. If you are unable to attend, you can provide a written submission that will be distributed to Council and made available to the public. Written submissions can be emailed to phearings@vernon.ca. 

The deadline for written submissions is 3:00 p.m. on the day of the Public Hearing.

Public Hearing Procedure

1. City Staff will provide a brief description of the zoning application or the Official Community Plan amendment.
2. The Mayor will request that the Corporate Officer should indicate any correspondence and/or petitions received for the record.
3. The Mayor will call for speakers from the public in attendance.
   
   1. Microphones are provided at a podium for any person(s) wishing to speak at the meeting.
   2. The Chair will recognize only speakers at the microphones.
   3. The public and members of Council may ask questions of the speaker and/or City staff in order to clarify details.
   4. Final calls will be given for those wishing to speak.

Public Hearings Formalities

• Comments at Council meetings should be directed to the Chair or the member of Council that is presiding at the meeting.
• Introduce yourself - please clearly state your name and address before making your comments. You may be requested to provide your name and address on a list provided at the podium.
• Be sure to speak into the microphone so that your input can be clearly heard.
• The Mayor may be referred to as "Your Worship" or "Mr. Mayor", other Council members should be referred to as "Councillor".
• Be aware that comments on some issues may be restricted by legal requirements or policy.