Public hearings

If a change to a bylaw is proposed — for example, a zoning amendment, an Official Community Plan amendment or a development permit with variances — you can share your views at a public hearing.

Upcoming and past public hearings

View agendas and participation details for upcoming and past public hearings.

How to participate

You can participate in a public hearing in several ways:

In person
Public hearings are held at the Comox Valley Regional District's Civic Room
770 Harmston Avenue, Courtenay

Live by Zoom webinar
A Zoom webinar link for each meeting is posted on its public hearing webpage.
View upcoming public hearings

Live by phone conference
The phone number and passcode for each meeting will be posted on its public hearing webpage.
View upcoming public hearings

Watch online
Public hearings are live-streamed on the City of Courtenay’s YouTube channel

Submit written comments
You can send your comments by:

Written submissions must be received at least three hours before the public hearing begins — typically by 1 p.m. on the day of the hearing. Submissions should contain your name and address, which will become part of the public record.

When a public hearing is required

Public hearings may be required for some land use bylaws under section 464 of the Local Government Act, including official community plans (OCPs) and zoning bylaws.

Local governments are sometimes not permitted to hold a public hearing — for example, when a proposed zoning bylaw is consistent the OCP. To learn about other ways to share your feedback, email planning@courtenay.ca.

Tips for participating

  • Submitting your comments or questions in writing ahead of the hearing is encouraged.
  • Wait for the chair to invite you to speak before turning on your microphone.
  • Respect the hearing format and be prepared to speak clearly and briefly.
  • Hearings are for public input, not detailed policy discussions or debates.

Speaking guidelines

The chair will start by explaining the process. The applicant may speak first. After that, the chair will invite members of the public to speak.

  • You have up to 5 minutes for your first opportunity to speak.
  • If time allows, you may request a second chance to speak, but only to share new information.
  • Begin by stating your full name and civic address.
  • Make sure your comments relate to the subject bylaw.
  • Do not debate or respond to other speakers.
  • Address all comments to the chair.
  • Council members may ask you questions to clarify your comments.
  • If you want to ask about something a previous speaker said, direct your question to the chair. The chair will decide whether the speaker can respond.

Everyone who believes they may be affected by a proposed bylaw has the right to speak. You should never feel discouraged or intimidated from sharing your views.

Speaker’s list

A speaker’s list may be used at hearings with more than 20 people. If used:

  • Speakers are called in the order listed.
  • After everyone on the list has spoken, others may have a chance to speak.
  • The applicant has the first opportunity to speak and can also respond to questions after public speakers.

Time limits

  • The applicant may speak for up to 15 minutes.
  • Members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes each.
  • Speakers may provide additional information after everyone has had a first chance to speak.

Submissions and comments must relate to the bylaw under consideration. The chair may decline to hear unrelated comments.

Please avoid applause or emotional responses. Inappropriate language or personal attacks are not allowed.

After the hearing

Once the public hearing is closed, Council is unable to receive any further information or submissions on the topic. Council will consider the bylaw again at a Council meeting.

Meeting notes will be available online once the next Council agenda is posted.

Learn more

For more information about public hearings, including requirements and procedures, view the Government of B.C. website.