Appearing Before Council

 ATTENDING A COUNCIL MEETING

The Town of Tecumseh believes a healthy democracy is one where citizens watch or attend Council meetings to learn about the issues being discussed in their community. Citizens who wish to make presentations or speak to Council on their own behalf or on behalf of companies/organizations are called “Delegates” or “Delegations”. 

• • Any person wishing to speak to a matter before Council must submit a Request to Appear as a Delegate form and confirm their intent to abide by the Town’s Bylaw No. 2023-076 – Proceedings of Council, specifically Section 14.6 thereof. ***
  • All attendees are required to complete and sign the Sign-In Sheet to confirm their intent to abide by the conduct requirements for attendance on display.
  • All regular, public, and special meetings of Council are live streamed on the Town of Tecumseh’s website for viewing in accordance with the Town’s Live Streaming of Meetings Policy.  While the Town will make every effort to ensure that Live Streaming is available, it takes no responsibility for, and cannot be held liable for technical issues beyond its control. Technical issues may include, but are not limited to, the availability of the internet connection, device failure or malfunction, unavailability of social media platforms, or power outages.
  • By attending any Public Council meeting, attendees and Delegates are consenting to their image, voice, and/or comments, as well as a copy of the submitted Request to Appear as a Delegate form, being recorded and/or available for public viewing on the Town’s website.

***Before proceeding to appearing as a Delegate, have you reached out to the applicable department or employee of the Town to address your concerns?  The Town of Tecumseh is committed to providing our residents with efficient and effective service and therefore we suggest this be your first contact when looking to bring your concerns to your Council.

APPEARING AT COUNCIL AS A DELEGATE

There are three (3) ways to register to appear as a Delegate before Council:

1. In-person (preferred)
2. Electronically (if permitted, see below)
3. By Written Submission for inclusion on the Council Agenda

Registration Deadlines

Every person wishing to appear as a Delegate must complete and submit online a Request to Appear as a Delegate form providing the information on the delegation as well as confirming their intent to abide by the rules of conduct set out therein as well as the Town’s Bylaw No. 2023-076 – Proceedings of Council, specifically Section 14.6 thereof, within the following timeframes:

1. At a Regular Council meeting, no less than seven (7) days before the meeting.
2. At a Special Council meeting or at a Regular Council meeting on a matter that relates specifically to a listed item on published Agenda, twenty‑four (24) hours before the meeting.
3. At a Public Statutory Council meeting no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

In certain circumstances and at the discretion of the Clerk, a Delegate may be permitted to appear electronically should they be unable to attend in-person.  To appear before Council electronically you must complete and submit a Request to Appear as a Delegate form within the above noted deadlines. Delegates will be contacted directly to confirm whether electronic attendance is permitted in accordance with the Town’s Bylaw No. 2023-076 – Proceedings of Council and to provide registration details prior to the meeting.

To appear before Council by written submission you must including your comments on the matter on the Request to Appear as a Delegate form or upload with the form your comments in an acceptable format within the above noted deadlines and in accordance with the Town’s Bylaw No. 2023-076 – Proceedings of Council.

Assistance with Form Submission

If you are unable to complete any forms online or require assistance, you may (at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting) contact the Clerks department:

• by telephoning the Clerks department at 519-735-2184 x. 139 (please have all information required available to you prior to telephoning); or
• by emailing the information to clerks@tecumseh.ca; or
• by mailing your comments to: Tecumseh Town Hall, Attention Clerk's Office, 917 Lesperance Road, Tecumseh, N8N 1W9.