Speaking at City Hall: A Guide for Windsor Park Residents

City Council decisions shape the future of our neighbourhood – from rezoning applications and park improvements to transportation planning and city budgets. One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard is to speak directly to City Council or a City Council Committee during a public meeting.

If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry – here’s what you need to know.

1. Know When and Where to Speak

In Edmonton, you can register to speak at:

• Public Hearings (e.g., rezonings, land use changes)
• City Council Meetings (general policy decisions)
• Standing Committee Meetings (specific topics like urban planning or transportation)

You can find upcoming meeting dates, agendas, and registration links, and frequently asked questions on the City’s  Interact with Council  webpage.

2. Register in Advance

For most meetings:

• Register online via the City’s, or call the City Clerk’s Office (780-496-8178).
• Public Hearings usually require registration at least one business day before the meeting.
• You can choose to speak in person, by phone, or by video conference.

3. Prepare Your Presentation

• Time limit: Most speakers get 5 minutes (plus questions from Councillors).
• Stay focused: Identify 1–3 key points you want Council to remember.
• Tell your story: Facts are important, but so is the local impact. Share how the decision will affect Windsor Park residents, businesses, and daily life.
• Be respectful: Address comments to the Mayor and Councillors, not other speakers.

Tip: It’s fine to bring notes or read from a script – just make sure it sounds natural.

4. Support Your Points with Evidence

• Refer to City policies or plans (e.g., City Plan, Zoning Bylaw).
• Mention community engagement – if you’ve talked to neighbours, share what you’ve heard.
• If you’re representing a group, make it clear that you’re speaking on their behalf.

5. At the Meeting

• Arrive early (or log in early) to get comfortable with the format.
• When it’s your turn, the Chair will invite you to speak.
• Councillors may ask you questions after your 5 minutes – it’s okay to pause and think before answering.

6. Follow Up

If you can, send a short thank-you email to our Ward Councillor and any others who showed interest in your points. It keeps the conversation going.

Why It Matters

Public input often shapes amendments, conditions, or even the outcome of a decision. Speaking at City Hall is one of the most direct ways to ensure Windsor Park’s perspective is heard and considered.

Need help preparing?

The Community League would like to help residents prepare to speak at City Hall whenever we can. However, please remember that we’re all volunteers and sometimes our time or expertise is limited. If we can’t help directly, we’ll do our best to put you in touch with someone who can.

If you do decide to speak at City Council, we encourage you to let the WPCL Board know – and maybe even a few neighbours who care about the issue too. This helps us share information, coordinate messages when needed, and show up in support.

Please also know that the League’s role is to consider the needs and perspectives of the whole neighbourhood – including residents who may not yet be actively engaged. Sometimes that means our position will differ from any one individual’s view, but it also means every voice we hear helps shape a stronger, more inclusive community.

Contact us at info@windsor-park.ca.