Participate in public hearings of Council and committee

Participate in public hearings

of Council and committees

Members of Council meet at Council and committee meetings to discuss policies, bylaws, budget, city planning, and other issues.

Council public hearings and standing policy committee (SPC) meetings are a valued part of government decision-making. The meetings let City Council hear public opinions and sentiments.

  • Agendas

    Agendas, minutes and video for upcoming and past meetings.

  • Watch live

    Watch the Council and committee meeting live stream.

  • Submit

    Submit a comment using the Public Submission form.

  • Speak

    Register to speak at a meeting using the Public Submission form.

Public hearing process

An upcoming Council decision may affect you. Provide your views on the issue at a public hearing or committee meeting. Provide your input in person, by phone, or by written submission. The City is committed to making public participation accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly.


The video features 6 sections:
1. What is a Public Hearing (00:13)
2. How are Public Hearings Advertised (01:05)
3. How do I Participate in a Public Hearing (01:43)
4. Tips for Submitting a Comment or Presenting (02:43)
5. It's Public Hearing Day (03:53)
6. After the Public Hearing (08:48)

Quick links

Meeting calendar

Live meeting agenda

Municipal Complex map

Public Hearing Tip Sheet

Public Submissions Tip Sheet

Public Hearing Improvements Project.

Public participation opportunities

Council public hearing

Council decisions can impact communities, neighbourhoods or single properties. People can share their views on planning and land use bylaws through a public hearing. In a public hearing,

  • Council must hear any person, group or person representing them who are affected by the proposed bylaw or resolution.
  • The public, City staff and Council follow the rules in Council’s Procedure Bylaw (35M2017).

Standing policy committee public participation

Members of the public can speak on agenda items at standing policy committee (SPC) meetings:

  • Community Development Committee
  • Infrastructure and Planning Committee

When, where, and why are public hearings and SPC meetings held?

When are meetings?

Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted.

Meetings still in progress at 9:30 p.m. may be recessed until the next business day at 1 p.m. or at another time. 

See the Council calendar for dates of public hearings and  committee meetings.

Council calendar

Where are meetings?

Council public hearings and standing policy committee (SPC) meetings are held in:

Council Chamber
Municipal Complex
800 MacLeod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 2M3

Municipal Complex map

Why public hearings?

Public hearings are held to:

  • listen to the public’s support or concerns about issues before Council votes,
  • listen to public opinion on issues with large impacts on the community or property owners, and
  • meet requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA, RSA 2000 c. M-26).

How to participate

Before the public hearing or standing policy committee meeting (SPC)

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During the public hearing or standing policy committee meeting

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After the public hearing or standing policy committee meeting

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Accessibility and inclusion services

The City offers accessible and inclusive services to make participating in Council and committee meetings easier for everyone. People participating in meetings can use services including but not limited to:

  • Transit Ticket Program - free bus and train tickets
  • Parking Program - free parking
  • Accessible Council Chamber
  • American Sign Language (ASL), captioning and alternative communications services
Accessibility and inclusion services

Respectful environment

At The City, respect is the foundation for a productive and thriving workplace. An Endorsement Statement on Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is included in the Public Submission form upon participant registration.

It is expected that all participants (Council members, City staff, and the public) behave respectfully and treat everyone with dignity and respect to allow for conversations free from bias and prejudice.

Respectful environment information

Role of public participation and submissions

City Council has the authority to make decisions that affect Calgary. These decisions can affect long-term plans for the entire city, neighbourhoods, and individual properties. Council is required by the Municipal Government Act to provide the opportunity for the public to share their views on certain topics.

Public participation in Council and Council Committee Meetings are an important element of our democratic system. Whether you choose to present in person or virtually, or submit a comment, participating in a public hearing or a standing policy committee (SPC) Meeting is an important opportunity to voice your opinion to Council members, and can provide clarity and new perspectives on the matter or issue being considered, which can influence Council’s decision.

Council and standing policy committees make decisions based on a number of considerations, including information and submissions presented by the public. Listening to the discussion, questions, and debate from members of Council and standing policy committees may help the public understand how input from the public was considered in decision-making.

Contact information

For questions related to Council Chamber visitor screening, contact 311

For more information, visit the Legislative Services or contact the City Clerk's Office.

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