Meeting Participation by Members of the Public

Speak Before Council or a Standing Committee

Do you want to share your thoughts at a City meeting? You can request to speak (make a deputation) to a Standing Committee or Advisory Committee.

 Who Can Speak

Anyone can make a deputation, including individuals, organizations, or groups. Speaking to City Council directly is not permitted, unless you are a presenter already scheduled on the agenda or participating in a Public Meeting under the Planning Act.

When and How to Request to Speak

You must submit your Request to Speak Form by 12:00 p.m. (noon), four (4) calendar days before the meeting.

 Requests must include:

  • The subject you wish to speak about
  • The outcome you’re seeking
  • What steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue with City staff

 You can submit your form:

  • Online (see below)
  • By email: cityclerk@thunderbay.ca
  • In person at City Hall: Office of the City Clerk, 500 Donald Street East

Request to Speak Before Council Online Form

 Following submission of your request, the Office of the City Clerk will be in contact to schedule your deputation at the appropriate meeting. You may attend in person, online or provide your request in writing only. Please review the calendar of meetings (link to calendar of meetings) for available Standing Committee meeting dates.

Speaking Rules

  • You’ll have up to 10 minutes to speak.
  • If more than one person speaks for the same group, total time is still limited to 10 minutes.
  • Members of the committee may ask you questions afterward.
  • Comments must stay on topic, be respectful, and not question the personal integrity of staff.

 What You Can’t Speak About

Requests will be denied if:

  • The issue is outside of City jurisdiction
  • The matter involves legal, contractual, or confidential issues
  • The topic has already been heard or decided by Council
  • It relates to budget requests or a Planning Act Public Meeting
  • Requests for funding

Refer to Section 6.06 (c) of Procedural By-law 217-2025 for the full list.

Sharing Materials

If you want to share speaking notes or handouts:

  • Submit electronic, accessible documents to cityclerk@thunderbay.ca at least 4 days before the meeting.
  • All materials become part of the public record.

 Attend in Person or Virtually

Meetings are held in person at City Hall. You may request to participate virtually through Microsoft Teams.

 Notice of Collection of Personal Information

 Personal information on this form is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act. This information will be used to process information you have submitted and some or part of the information submitted may become part of the public record in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Office of the City Clerk, 807-625-2230 (extension 9).

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