TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 6, 2024 Report No. ADM-24-019
TO: Council
FROM: Sarah Holloway, Deputy Corporate Officer
SUBJECT: Public Notice Bylaw and Amended Council Procedure Bylaw
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Endorse utilizing the Township's email subscription notice and official municipal website as reliable, suitable, and accessible means of alternate public notification methods;
2. Give three readings to Council Procedure Bylaw, 2022, No. 3081, Amendment Bylaw, 2024, No. 3135; and
3. Give three readings to Public Notice Bylaw, 2024, No. 3136;
as per Staff Report No. ADMIN-24-019.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of the report is to present to Council the results of the Public Notice Survey and provide for consideration of three readings each of the Public Notice Bylaw, and an amended Council Procedure Bylaw.
BACKGROUND:
At the December 11, 2023 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Committee considered alternative means of statutory public notification to modernize and better align with the various ways the public now receives information.
The staff report recommended that Council discuss and consider whether the alternative notification methods of an email subscription service and posting to the Township's website were reliable, suitable, and accessible, as required by the Province prior to adoption of a Public Notice Bylaw. It was noted that the change in methodology for providing required notice would not negate the legislated requirement to deliver or mail notices to impacted residents for Development Variance Permits or First Readings for Rezonings and Public Hearings, and all notification method options would still be accountable to the deadlines as outlined in legislation.
The following resolution from the Committee of the Whole meeting was ratified at the December 18, 2023 Council meeting:
"That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to conduct public engagemen...
Click here for full text