Speaking to council (remotely or in-person) is the single most impactful thing you can do to help defend our new zoning by-law.
Signing up only takes a minute, and you can choose to speak in person or remotely
Select "Urban Planning Committee" and enter February 9 as the date
Where it asks for the agenda number and title, enter: "7.2 - Options for Amendments to the RS Zone and Maintenance of Private Trees".
You do not need to select a position on the issue.
Select "no" where it asks "Would you like to be available to answer questions only?"
The City Clerk will send you a confirmation, and a reminder the day before.
The committee meeting will begin at 9:30 AM on February 9. Administration will present first, followed by speakers in the order in whcih they signed up.
It's not too late to sign up until they have voted on the item. If speakers are still going, you can still sign up, even if it is day-of.
The Clerk will call out the items to be dealt with. On February 9 and 10, it is just the items we are signing up for. The Chair will call out the names of the people registered to speak to each bylaw. Council will then deal with each of the bylaws that were selected for discussion and debate.
For each item, Administration will first provide an overview of the bylaw. Members of the public who have registered to speak will then be invited to make their presentations. Speakers will be placed in panels of around 13 people. Panels will be composed of speakers in the order that they signed up. Each person will have five minutes to make comments.
After each panel is done, councillors will have a chance to ask questions of the panels. Given the number of speakers expected, it is unlikely that you get asked questions. Of course, if you do not wish to answer questions, you are welcome to leave right after your speech: no one is holding you hostage.
1. Write it down
You don't need to write an epic poem, but make sure you have your points clearly made and easily accessible if you get lost. Brief is better; you have 5 minutes to speak. Even a one-sentence speech like "I do not support reducing the maximum number of units from 8 to 6 because of everything other people said" is extremely helpful.
2. Make it personal
Tell them who you are, what part of the city you live in, and why you care about this issue. You’re the expert on what you care about — you don't have to get intimate, but speaking to your specific experience means more than a talking point.
3. Focus on ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
You don't need to cover everything: there will be lots of speakers. Sum up your support in a line or two, then let everything that follows support that point. Need some talking points? You can talk about why the new zoning bylaw is good for climate, financial sustainability, and housing affordability.
4. Keep it civil
Earnestness and respect might not make you stand out, but a lack of them will surely get you dismissed. Keep the clever retorts and sarcastic asides for Twitter or the group chat: we’re there to convince council, not argue with the other side.
5. There's nothing wrong with keeping it short
We’re happy to help with anything you need — seriously, just email us — but remember your presence is the most important thing. If you just want to say you support 8 units and yield your time, that's enough.
6. If you missed your panel, don't worry!
They will usually do one last call at the very end of the public hearing for our item for anyone who is a late signup or missed their panel. If you missed your spot, make sure to tune join the meeting for the last panel and you may be allowed to speak.
Grow Together Edmonton