Public Hearings

Public Hearings for Development Applications

The CSRD is committed to ensuring the public has access to information and the ability to make their views known to their local government. As such, there are a number of different options for members of the public to make representations about a proposed bylaw.

In-Person Attendance

Citizens can attend a public hearing provided all the current health requirements can be met. 

  • Space may be limited therefore, attendance is on a first come / first serve basis and seats may not be reserved for late attendees.

Written Submission

Written comments can always be provided in advance of the public hearing. Written submissions must be received prior to the close of a public hearing.

Submissions can be received via:

  • CSRD Planning Email
  • In-person to the CSRD office located at 555 Harbourfront Drive NE between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm. Monday to Friday
  • Mailed to:

Columbia Shuswap Regional District
555 Harbourfront Drive NE
P.O. Box 978
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4P1

Electronic Participation

Participation in a public hearing may be undertaken electronically for individuals unable or unwilling attend the hearing venue in-person. Electronic public hearings will provide the same opportunity for interested parties to have their opinions heard.

  • The Chairperson will preside over the in-person public hearing and moderate the inclusion of electronic participants into the public hearing process.
  • CSRD staff will monitor electronic and phone communication to create a speakers list to enable participation in the hearing for those that wish to comment.
    • The meeting Chair will provide alternating opportunities between in-person, electronic and phone attendees for those wishing to speak; and,
    • Participants will be restricted to provide comment to the hearing by audio only.
  • The CSRD will be using Zoom, a web-based meeting platform, for electronic public hearings and the public can attend by phone or computer to listen, observe or participate in the public hearing.
  • Information about the proposed bylaws are provided on the Development Notices page on CSRD website. View each proposed bylaw for detailed information that includes all documents that would typically be presented in a binder at an in-person public hearing, including public submissions and copies of the bylaws.
  • If there are technical issues not allowing a participant to comment electronically at the hearing, participants will be given the opportunity to phone in to the hearing or provide a written submission prior to the close of the public hearing. Such technical issues do not invalidate the public hearing.

If you are having technical difficulties, please contact Brad Payne, Manager, IT / GIS Services, at 250-833-5909 or by email.

How to Use Zoom to Participate in a Public Hearing

  1. If You Are Using a Computer

Zoom has directions for users to get started whether you are using Windows or a Mac computer. Visit Zoom's Getting started with Zoom page for more detailed information.

There are two ways to join a CSRD Zoom public hearing:

  • Via a link - If you have been sent the link to the meeting via email, click on the link. (This will start a new tab in your web browser.) You will be prompted to enter for the meeting password. Enter the password in the space provided. The password will be found on the public hearing information page located under the Events tab of the CSRD website for the date of the hearing. The password will be listed below the link.
  • Via a meeting ID and password - If you have the meeting ID and password, enter it in the spaces provided and then click "Join." The meeting ID and password will be found on the public hearing information page located under the Events tab of the CSRD website for the date of the hearing. The password will be listed below the Meeting ID.

Zoom Controls for Participants

If you would like to say something during the hearing, please use the Raise Hand feature.

This can be found by moving your computer mouse to the bottom of your screen. The Raise Hand feature will be one of the options to pop up. You can use this feature to alert the moderator that you would like to speak during the hearing. By doing this, the moderator will be alerted that you wish to speak and will unmute your microphone when it is your turn.


  1. If You Are Using the Phone