Meetings

Meetings are held at 10:00 am on the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting from the first full week (beginning on a Sunday). Council meetings begin immediately following MPC.

• 2024 MPC & Council Meetings
• 2025 MPC & Council Meetings

Agenda packages for MPC and Council meetings are published on Tuesday afternoon prior to each scheduled meeting.

To stay informed, you can access the livestream link, agenda packages, meeting minutes, and video recordings of past meetings on this page.

Instructions on how to ask questions during a livestream > MPC/Council Livestream Q&A

Public hearings are advertised and generally held during the first meeting of the month beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

Members of the public have the opportunity to participate in public hearings during the livestream via the chat window. Questions can be submitted via email to council@newellmail.ca at least one day prior to the meeting. Here is more information on asking questions during the livestream > MPC/Council Livestream Q&A

Regular procedures for Public Hearings are as follows:

1. The Chairman calls hearing to order.
2. The Secretary states purpose of the public hearing (e.g. Land Use Amendment – SW 1-2-3-4 from Agricultural to Country Residential).
3. An Administrative staff member provides a summary of the matter to be heard.
4. The Chairman will state procedures which must be followed:
   1. Any individual wishing to speak must first be recognized by the Chair.
   2. Once recognized, they must state their name before beginning their presentation.
   3. All statements are directed to Council.
   4. Applicant will be given five (5) minutes to present their case.
   5. Anyone else speaking in favour are given three (3) minutes to make a presentation. Members of the public are allowed to speak only once except to answer questions from Council.
   6. Council may ask questions of the applicant or speakers in favour.
   7. Members of the public who are opposed are given three (3) minutes to present their case and provide a rebuttal to the presentation of the applicant and anyone else speaking in favour. Members of the public are allowed to speak only once except to answer questions from Council.
   8. Council may ask questions of the public again.
   9. The applicant is given three minutes for a rebuttal.
   10. The public hearing is adjourned. Council returns to regular Council Meeting and may make a decision regarding the hearing.

 

Public Appeals are advertised. Members of the public have the opportunity to participate in the public hearing during the livestream via the chat window. Questions can be submitted via email to administration@newellmail.ca at least one day prior to the meeting. Here is more information on asking questions during the livestream > MPC/Council Livestream Q&A

Regular procedures for Public Hearings are as follows:

1. Chairman calls hearing to order.
2. Secretary states purpose of the public hearing (e.g. Land Use Amendment – SW 1-2-3-4 from Agricultural to Country Residential).
3. An Administrative staff member will provide a summary of the matter to be heard.
4. The Chairman will state the procedures which must be followed:
   1. Any individual wishing to speak must first be recognized by the Chair.
   2. Once recognized, they must state their name before beginning their presentation.
   3. All statements are directed to the Board.
   4. The Chairman will determine length of time applicants can speak.
   5. Anyone else speaking in favour is given time to present and time is dependent on Chairman. Members of the public are allowed to speak only once except to answer questions from the Board.
   6. The Board may ask questions of the applicant or speakers in favour.
   7. Members of the public who are opposed are given time to present their case and provide a rebuttal to the presentation of the applicant and anyone else speaking in favour. 
   8. The Board may ask questions of the public again.
   9. Applicant is given time for a rebuttal.
   10. The public appeal is adjourned. The Board goes back into the regular meeting and may make a decision regarding the appeal.

Link to Public Participation via online

If you wish to participate in a meeting as a delegation, please contact us at 403-362-3266 or administration@newellmail.ca where you will be schedule for an upcoming meeting. 

Please note the following:

1. Council does not have an obligation to hear any delegation.
2. The Chairman welcomes delegates.
3. The Chairman advises that 15 minutes have been set aside and suggests 5 minutes for the presentation and 10 minutes for questions from Council.
4. After the delegation process is complete, Council may take any action necessary which arises from the delegation.

When are Council meetings held?
Meetings are held at 10:00 am on the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting from the first full week (beginning on a Sunday). Council meetings begin immediately following MPC.

Are Council Meetings open to the public?
Yes. You are welcome to attend all regular Council meetings in their entirety or you may wish to stay for just an item that interests you. As of April 23, 2020 you will be able to participate in the livestream. 

How can I contact a member of Council?

County of Newell Council values your input. Hearing from residents helps Council make well-informed decisions on policies and bylaws that impact our communities. Councillors are accessible by phone, email, or mail through the County Office. Find contact details for each Councillor here > Meet Our Councillors

Which Council member should I contact?
You're encouraged to discuss any matters with your local divisional Councillor, or feel free to reach out to any member of Council.

Will issues discussed with a Councillor automatically be placed on a meeting agenda?
No. If you would like a matter considered at a Council meeting, please contact the Executive Assistant to request that it be added to the agenda. All requests are reviewed by the CAO before being scheduled.

If I have made a request to have an item placed on the agenda what happens next?

Once your request is received, the Executive Assistant will inform you of the meeting date and the approximate time your item will be discussed. If you wish to present your item in person, please follow the delegation process outlined above. Even if you choose not to present, you may want to be available to answer any questions Council may have. If you’re unable to attend, your item will still be reviewed and discussed. You’ll be notified of Council’s decision by email (if provided) or by letter.

Can I get a copy of the meeting agenda?
Yes. Meeting agendas are published and made available to the public on Tuesday afternoon prior to the meeting. A link to the agenda will be posted on this page.

Previous meeting minutes can be found by clicking the locations below:

Council (1953 to present)

Municipal Planning Commission (1980 to present)

Annual General Meetings (1954-2017)

For previous Council & MPC meeting videos, check out our YouTube channel.

Previous MPC & Council Agenda packages are available here - https://newell.allnetmeetings.com/pubs/agendas.aspx