At the City of Elliot Lake, we encourage community engagement with local politics and invite you to attend an upcoming Council or Committee meeting. If you would like to speak before Council or Committee, you will need to submit a delegation or presentation request. Your group or organization may also consider a proclamation request.
Request to Appear Before Council or Committee
You may also print and submit it by email to the Clerk's Department. If you are using materials in your presentation, such as PowerPoint slides or handouts, you must submit the materials in advance of the meeting. Please review the guidelines within the Procedure By-law before requesting to appear before Council.
Please note, if you are unable to attend the meeting in person or electronically, you can prepare a written submission to be read aloud by the Mayor or Chair and email the Clerk's Department, send by mail, or drop off at City Hall as per the timelines and details outlined below.
There are three (3) ways you can address Council or a Committee of Council:
Public Presentation
- For consultants, agencies, or partners to share updates or studies.
- Maximum 10 minutes (Chair may allow more).
- Must submit request form and materials to the Clerk at least 3 business days before the meeting.
- Cannot be for publicity or promotion.
- No decisions made at the same meeting; requests are referred to staff.
Example:
Meeting date: January 8
Agenda Publishing Date: January 4
Presentation Request Deadline (with PowerPoint or Speaking Notes): January 3 by 4 p.m.
Presentation Tips
- Wait until the Chair announces your presentation before going to the podium.
- Remember to introduce yourself, as well as anyone who may be accompanying you to the podium (up to three people). State the reason for your presentation.
- The Chair of the meeting is responsible for conducting the meeting and ensuring proper meeting decorum. Always follow directions and instructions from the Chair.
- Address your presentation and answers to any questions to the chairperson. The proper protocol is to say, “Through you, Mr./Madam Chair” or, if the Mayor is chairing the meeting, “Through you, Your Worship.”
- Make eye contact with your audience and try not to read directly from your slides or speaking notes. Many excellent resources for effective speaking and presentation techniques are available online.
- Once you have finished speaking, remain at the podium until you have been thanked by the Chair. The Chair may ask you to answer questions. Please wait for direction from the Chair before responding to comments or questions from the members.
Delegation
- For individuals/groups to speak on an agenda item.
- Must register with the Clerk by 4 pm one business day before the meeting.
- Maximum 10 minutes (may be extended by Council).
- No delegations on active/potential litigation.
- Delegates must stay respectful; similar positions encouraged to speak as one.
- Delegations heard at committee are not repeated at Council.
Example:
Meeting date: January 8
Agenda Publishing Date: January 4
Delegation Request Deadline: January 5 by 4 p.m.
Public Input
- Held at every regular Council meeting.
- Up to 10 speakers, max 3 minutes each.
- Must register with the Clerk by noon on meeting day.
- Written comments can be submitted if unable to attend.
- No decisions made during the session; comments are considered when the related item comes up.
Example:
Meeting date: January 8
Agenda Publishing Date: January 4
Public Input Request Deadline: January 8 by 12 p.m.
Speaking Procedures
When speaking before Council as a delegation or public input, you should not:
- Speak disrespectfully of any person
- Use offensive words
- Speak on any subject other than the one you provided on your request form
- Disobey a decision of the Chair or Mayor
- Enter into a debate with other delegations, staff or Council members
