Petitions
Voters may petition their council to hold a public meeting or to hold a referendum. More detailed information can be found by reviewing A Citizen's Guide to Shaping Council Decisions.
1. Public Meeting
Municipal voters may petition their council to hold a public meeting to discuss any municipal matter.
A minimum number of petitioners is required:
- In cities, voters representing at least five per cent of the population
- In resort villages, voters representing at least eight per cent of the population
- In other towns, villages or rural municipalities, whichever is greater:
- 20 voters, or
- voters representing at least five per cent of the population
The municipal administrator/city clerk has the sole responsibility for determining the sufficiency of a petition. If sufficient, council is required to call a public meeting to be held within 30 days of receipt of the report. Notice of the meeting must be provided in accordance with its public notice policy.
2. Referendums
A referendum is the submission of a proposed public measure in the form of a bylaw or resolution that is voted on by the citizens.
A referendum may be initiated by council or citizens may petition council to place a municipal matter before the voters.
A referendum binds the council to a specific course of action so the rules regarding petitions for a referendum are explicitly set out in legislation.