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Policy No.
Public Participation Program Policy
Page 1 of 4
Public Participation Program Policy
Department: Planning
Policy No:
Adopted:
2025-10-14
Revision Dates:
n/a
1.0
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a public participation program for
planning documents for the Town of Berwick, in accordance with Section 204,
and 204A of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
This policy will also provide an avenue to solicit comments from the
Municipality of the County of Kings on the proposed adoption or amendment
of planning documents in accordance with the Provincial Engagement
Programs Content Regulations and Section 204A and Section 206 of the
MGA.
2.0
Scope
The Planning Public Participation Program Policy applies to the adoption,
revision and amendment of all planning documents for the Town of Berwick.
3.0
Definitions
3.1
Planner: Town staff person, firm or individual retained by the Town,
responsible for processing applications related to planning matters.
3.2
Planning Documents: Planning documents for the purpose of this
Policy mean a municipal planning strategy, land use bylaw,
development agreement, and subdivision by-law.
3.3
Public Hearing: a statutory public meeting hosted by Town Council in
accordance with section 206 of the MGA.
3.4
Public Information Meeting: a non-statutory public meeting hosted
by the Chair of the Planning Advisory Committee. The meeting is held
early in the application process and is intended to present the proposal
and applicable policies of the Municipal Planning Strategy. The public
has an opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the
proposal.
3.5
Public Meeting: any meeting attended by members of the general
public with regards to a planning matter including Public Information
Meetings, Public Participation Meetings and Public Hearings.
Policy No.
Public Participation Program Policy
Page 2 of 4
3.6
Public Participation Meeting: a statutory meeting hosted by the
Planning Advisory Committee when approving amendments to the
Municipal Planning Strategy.
4.0
Public Participation Meetings
4.1
Before Council considers adoption, revision or amendment to the
Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS), the Town shall schedule and hold
one or more Public Participation Meetings.
4.2
The purpose of the Public Participation Meeting(s) and the engagement
with the Municipality of the County of Kings is to provide an
opportunity for the public and the Municipality of the County of Kings
to comment, make suggestions, discuss and receive information with
respect to any proposed adoption, revision, or amendment.
4.3
The Public Participation Meeting(s) shall be held by the Town's
Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).
4.4
Notice of a Public Participation Meeting shall be provided through the
following ways:
-
posting on the Town's website a minimum of two (2) weeks
before the meeting;
-
notify all property owners and occupants within 100 metres of
the subject property,
-
posted on the Town social media, and
-
posting a notice at the Town office,
-
such other methods required by Provincial regulation.
The notice shall state the date, time and place of the meeting and the
hours during which relevant documents pertaining to the proposal may
be inspected by the public.
4.5
Notification shall be provided to the Municipality of the County of Kings
for all proposals within 100 metres of the municipal boundary for a
property which is the subject of a proposed adoption, revision and/or
amendment of the MPS.
4.6
At the time of given public notice of the Public Participation Meeting
pursuant to Part 4.4 and 4.5 above, the Town shall forward a copy of
the public notice to the Municipality of the County of Kings Municipal
Clerk and Director of Planning. An electronic version sent by email
shall be deemed sufficient for said notice.
4.7
The Town may elect to hold Public Participation Meetings through an
online forum, at its sole discretion.
Policy No.
Public Participation Program Policy
Page 3 of 4
4.8
Any member of the public may express their views, comments or
suggestions verbally or in writing, and all interested persons will be
given the opportunity to have their views and comments heard. In
accordance with the Town of Berwick's public hearing protocols.
4.9
When considering the adoption, revision and/or amendment of the
MPS, the engagement with the Municipality of the County of Kings and
the public through the Public Participation Meeting shall consider any
impacts the proposed adoption, revision or amendment may have on
the Statements of Provincial Interest.
4.10 Comments received from Municipality of the County of Kings, as well
as the public comments received through the Public Participation
Meeting, shall be considered by Council prior to any resolution
approving first reading of the proposed adoption, revision and/or
amendment of the MPS.
4.11 Upon Council approving first reading to proceed to a Public Hearing to
consider the adoption, revision and/or amendment of the MPS, a
second notice shall be sent to the Municipality of the County of Kings
Municipal Clerk and Director of Planning in keeping with Section 206 of
the Municipal Government Act.
5.0
Public Information Meetings
5.1
The Town may hold Public Information Meetings for development
agreements and rezoning applications.
5.2
Staff will seek guidance from the Mayor if a Public Information Meeting
shall be held.
5.3
Notice of a Public Information Meeting may be provided through the
following ways:
-
posting on the Town's website a minimum of one (1) week
before the meeting;
-
notify all property owners and occupants within 100 metres of
the subject property
-
posted on the Town social media, and
-
posting a notice at the Town office,
-
installation of a sign on the subject property advertising the
receipt of a planning application
-
such other methods required by Provincial regulation.
The notice shall state the date, time and place of the meeting and the
hours during which relevant documents pertaining to the proposal may
be inspected by the public.
Policy No.
Public Participation Program Policy
Page 4 of 4
5.4
The Town may elect to hold Public Information Meetings through an
online forum, at its sole discretion.
5.5
Staff shall chair the Public Information Meetings and will provide an
opportunity for the applicant to present information regarding the
development agreement or rezoning application.
5.6
Any member of the public may express their views, comments or
suggestions verbally or in writing, and all interested persons will be
given the opportunity to have their views and comments heard in
accordance with the Town of Berwick's public hearing protocols.
5.7
Notes from the Public Information Meeting shall form part of the staff
report to Council to aid it in its decision.
5.8 If the development proposal abuts a neighbouring municipality, the
Town shall notify the abutting Municipality of the application before
Council considers the application for first reading.
6.0
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed every four years.
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