TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: October 6, 2025 Report No. ADM-25-044
TO: Council
FROM: Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services
SUBJECT: Amendments to Council Procedure Bylaw
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second, and third readings to Council Procedure Bylaw,
2022, No. 3081, Amendment Bylaw, 2025, No. 3170.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Council Procedure Bylaw governs the conduct of Council meetings and sets the rules for handling municipal business at meetings. Amendments are occasionally required to revise the structure or improve the clarity of Council meetings to promote efficient elected official decision-making, accountability, and transparency of governance decisions. Prior to adoption of a Council Procedure Bylaw, or any amendments thereto, public notice is required to be given in accordance with the Community Charter.
BACKGROUND:
Municipal Councils are required by the Community Charter to establish procedures for the conduct of their meetings and general conduct of their business through a procedure bylaw. This bylaw sets shared expectations for process, procedure, and conduct at Council meetings.
Procedure Bylaws include rules for conducting meetings, making and recording decisions, participating in meetings for members and the public, how other meeting matters such as meeting schedules and notice requirements are handled, and other legislated matters. Clear procedure bylaws support the governance process and facilitate a collaborative approach that encourages respectful conduct and open debate at meetings. The Township's Council Procedure Bylaw can be regarded as a living document that requires amendments from time to time.
Council Procedure Bylaw, 2022, No. 3081 was adopted in August 2022 and has not been significantly amended since. Previous amendments were clerical, non-substantive amendments, or minor procedural changes with no change to intent or application. Using feedback observe...
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