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

Members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in the public hearing during the livestream via the chat window. Questions can also be submitted via e-mail to council@newellmail.ca at least one day prior to the meeting.  Click here to view more information on asking questions during the livestream meeting: Asking Questions During the Livestream

The regular procedures for Public Hearings are as follows:

1. The Chairman calls the hearing to order.
2. The Secretary states the 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 will be directed to Council.
   4. The applicant will be given five (5) minutes to present their case.
   5. Anyone else speaking in favour will be given three (3) minutes to make a presentation. Members of the public will be 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 opposed will be given three (3) minutes to present their case and provide a rebuttal to the presentation of the applicant and anyone else speaking in favour of the proposal. Members of the public will be allowed to speak only once except to answer questions from Council.
   8. Council may ask questions of the public again.
   9. The applicant will be given three minutes for a rebuttal.
   10. The public hearing is adjourned. Council goes back into the regular Council Meeting and may make their decision regarding the issue which required the hearing.

Link to participate online

Public Appeals will be advertised. Members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in the public hearing during the livestream via the chat window. Questions can also be submitted via e-mail to administration@newellmail.ca at least one day prior to the meeting.  Click here to view more information on asking questions during the livestream meeting: Asking Questions During the Livestream

The regular procedures for Public Hearings are as follows:

1. The Chairman calls the hearing to order.
2. The Secretary states the 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 will be directed to the Board.
   4. The Chairman will determine length of time applicants can speak.
   5. Anyone else speaking in favour will be given time a presentation, time is dependent on Chairman. Members of the public will be 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 opposed will be given time to present their case and provide a rebuttal to the presentation of the applicant and anyone else speaking in favour of the proposal. 
   8. The Board may ask questions of the public again.
   9. The applicant will be given time for a rebuttal.
   10. The public appeal is adjourned. The Board goes back into the regular meeting and may make their decision regarding the issue which required the hearing.

Link to Public Participation via online

Each regular Council meeting includes a Question period to provide the public an opportunity to obtain information from and provide information to Council in an efficient and timely manner.  

Click here to view the Regular Procedures for Question Period and access the form to submit your questions for an upcoming Council meeting.

If you wish to participate in a meeting as a delegation, please contact us at 403-362-3266 or administration@newellmail.ca and we will schedule you for an upcoming meeting.  Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, you will participate from a separate location either via videoconference or teleconference.

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 begin after the Municipal Planning Commission Meeting is done. This usually is shortly after 10 a.m. in the County of Newell Chambers.

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 a livestream meeting. Click here for instructions on how to join.

How can I contact a member of Council?
County of Newell Council is very interested in your ideas and suggestions. With participation from local citizens, Council is better prepared to make informed decisions on policies and bylaws for the County of Newell residents. Councillors are accessible by phone, email or by mail at the County Office. Countact information for individual Councillors is available here: http://www.countyofnewell.ab.ca/p/our-councillors

Which Council member should I contact?
You are encouraged to discuss all matters with your local divisional councillor or you are more than welcome to contact any member of Council.

Will issues discussed with a Councillor automatically be placed on a meeting agenda?
No. If you wish to have a matter considered at a Council meeting you need to contact the Executive Assistant to get it placed on the agenda which will get reviewed with the CAO prior to placement.

If I have made a request to have an item placed on the agenda what happens next?
The Executive Assistant will advise you of the date and approximate time your issue will be discussed. If you wish to be a delegation please follow the process for delegations above. If you do not choose to make a presentation at the meeting you may still want to be available to answer questions that Council may have. If you are unable to attend the meeting your item will still be discussed. You will be advised by email (if provided) or by letter of Council's decision regarding your issue.

Can I get a copy of the meeting agenda?
Yes, meeting agendas will be made available to the public in the afternoon of the Tuesday before the day of the meeting.  A link 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