Speak Before Council, Committee or Transit Executive Committee
Protocols during COVID-19
All Committee and Council meetings will be held in a hybrid meeting format with electronic and limited in-person participation. The rules with respect to registering as a delegate to speak before Council or a Committee are still the same. Delegations may participate in the meeting remotely and will join the meeting via phone only. Once you register, you will be provided with instructions on how to provide your delegation remotely. If in-person attendance is required, arrangements must be made by emailing clerks@durham.ca prior to the meeting.
Individuals may view the Council or Committee meeting via live streaming.
Individuals are also encouraged to speak with Regional staff or to submit written correspondence to Regional Council or a Committee if you have an idea or concern you want to share. Written correspondence can be submitted to the Legislative Services Division.
Register as a Delegation
To speak at a Standing Committee, Committee of the Whole, Durham Regional Council or Transit Executive Committee meeting, you must make a written request to be added to the meeting agenda. Your request should include:
- the date of the meeting you wish to speak at
- the subject matter or topic you would like to speak about
- the name of the person who will be speaking
- contact information (such as address, email and telephone number)
- any audio-visual requirements
Note: Individuals must first appear before the Committee responsible for the matter before speaking to Regional Council, unless the matter has been put forward directly to Council on an agenda without first being considered by a Committee.
Submission Deadline:
- 12PM (noon) on Wednesday the week prior to the meeting
If you miss the deadline and the subject matter you wish to speak to is included on the Council or Committee agenda, you may submit a written request to be added to an addendum for the meeting by 12PM (noon the day before the meeting).
Written requests can be submitted as follows:
- Email: delegations@durham.ca
- Mail:
Corporate Services Department
Legislative Services
605 Rossland Road East, Level 1
PO Box 623
Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3 - Fax: 905-668-9963
Please be advised that your name and address will become part of the public record and may be posted on the Region's website as part of the meeting minutes.
For more information about appearing as a delegation, view Section 15.7 of the Council Procedural By-law Number 44-2018.
Additional Information and Tips for Delegates
Committees and Meeting Schedules |
View our Committees page for information on our various Committees. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, view our Council and Committee Meeting Calendar. |
Time Limits |
Delegates can speak for up to five minutes. A delegation of more than five people can have two speakers, each speaking for up to five minutes. You should be prepared to answer questions. Committee and Council members will have the chance to ask questions after your delegation. |
Electronic Presentations |
If you want to use an electronic presentation, email us a copy at least 24 hours before the meeting so that we can load it onto our audio-visual equipment. If you submit your presentation late, it might not be available for the meeting. Please number your pages/slides to make it easier for the members of Council to reference during question period. Remember, you want to use your time effectively. |
Written copy of delegation |
Before the Committee meeting, email us a written copy of your delegation. Delegations appearing before Regional Council must submit their written copy or outline at least 24 hours prior to the meeting or a 2/3rds majority vote will be required to be heard. If you are appearing in-person and want a copy handed out at the meeting, please bring the right number of copies with you and give them to Legislative Services staff before the meeting starts. For Standing Committee meetings we need 25 copies, for Committee of the Whole and Durham Regional Council meetings we need 50 copies, and for Transit Executive Committee meetings we need 25 copies. |
Collection, use and disclosure of personal information |
Written information (either paper or electronic) that you send to Durham Regional Council or Committees, including home address, phone numbers and email addresses, will become part of the public record. This also includes what you say at meetings. If you have any questions about the collection of information, contact the Regional Clerk and Director of Legislative Services. |
Meetings are a public process |
We live stream Standing Committee, Committee of the Whole, Durham Regional Council and Transit Executive Committee meetings. Anything you submit, including pictures, presentations or written submissions, will become part of the public agenda. Media might also be at meetings. |
Tips for Delegates |
Should you wish to appear at the meeting in-person, please email us or call 905-668-7711 to speak with a staff member in Legislative Services. |
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