Public Hearings

Public Hearings are held when required to gather input from the public on proposed land use bylaws or amendments.

SRD Public Hearings are currently conducted primarily in person. Anyone who believes their interests are affected by a proposed bylaw will be given an opportunity to be heard during the public comment portion of the hearing.

If the Board determines that a hearing will be held through other means (such as virtually or by telephone), details on how to participate will be provided in advance. Participants will still have the opportunity to speak during the comment portion of the hearing.

In some cases, the Board may waive the requirement to hold a Public Hearing, as permitted under legislation.

This may occur when a proposed bylaw is consistent with the Official Community Plan and does not require additional public input. When a Public Hearing is waived, there is no opportunity to provide verbal input at a hearing; however, the public may still submit written comments to the Regional District prior to the Board’s consideration of the bylaw.

For certain types of bylaws, legislation prohibits the holding of a Public Hearing.

This typically applies when a proposed bylaw is consistent with the Official Community Plan. In these cases, the Regional District is not permitted to hold a Public Hearing or receive public input through that process. Information about the proposed bylaw will still be made available, and written submissions may be accepted where applicable.