Public Hearings provide an important opportunity for community members to express their opinions, concerns, or support on specific issues such as zoning changes, development projects, budgets, bylaws, or public services. This input can play a key role in shaping the final decisions made by municipal councils. In many cases, municipalities are legally required to hold Public Hearings—particularly for matters involving land use, budgets, or amendments to local ordinances.
These requirements are outlined in the Municipal Government Act and further guided by the Town of Blackfalds Council Procedural Bylaw.
If you believe a matter may affect you, Public Hearings offer a formal chance to be heard and have your voice included in the decision-making process.
Public Hearing Notices
Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw No. 1328.25
McKay Ranch Redistricting Public Hearing Notification (Bylaw 1328.25)
Bylaw 1328.25 – McKay Ranch Redistricting
Town of Blackfalds Council has given First Reading to Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw No. 1328.25, the purpose of this Bylaw is to redistrict a portion of Lot 1 Block 2 Plan 112 4253 in the McKay Ranch community from Urban Reserve District (UR) to Residential High Density District (R-4).Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in Council Chambers for the purpose of receiving comments on the proposed amending Bylaw No. 1328.25.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Town of Blackfalds Civic Centre,
Council Chambers (upstairs)
5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds AB
Commencing at 7:00pm
Regular Mail or Town of Blackfalds Drop Off Box:
The Office of the CAO, c/o Executive & Legislative Coordinator
Box 220, 5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds AB T0M 0J0
or email: info@blackfalds.ca
Public Hearing Process
Public Hearings generally follow this order:
- The Chair opens the Public Hearing.
- Administration outlines the purpose of the Public Hearing.
- The Chair invites verbal presentations from those in attendance in person.
- The Chair invites verbal presentations from virtual attendees.
- The Chair allows questions from Council members after each presentation.
- After all presentations and questions, the Chair closes the Public Hearing.
Ways to Participate
Town of Blackfalds Council Meetings are open to the public to attend and participate. Residents and interested or affected parties are encouraged to attend Council Meetings and to participate when a matter interests or affects them.
Some topics at Council Meetings, particularly those related to planning and development, require Public Hearings as outlined in the Municipal Government Act. If you believe you are affected by a matter, you have the opportunity to be heard at a Public Hearing.
Ways to Participate in Public Hearings:
There are multiple ways for residents and interested parties to participate in Public Hearings:
- In-person presentation.
- Electronic virtual presentation (via Microsoft Teams).
- Written submission.
In-Person Presentations
If you wish to speak regarding a Public Hearing matter, you may make an in-person presentation at the Public Hearing at the Civic Centre on the date and time indicated on the Public Hearing Notice.
If your presentation includes written or visual components, you must bring a digital copy or ten (10) physical copies for distribution at the Public Hearing. Any materials you provide at the Public Hearing will be retained by the Town of Blackfalds and saved in the public record.
Note: There will be a signup sheet as you enter the Council Chambers to attend the Public Hearing. If you wish to speak, please register on the signup sheet prior to the start of the Public Hearing to ensure your place on the speaking list. The signup sheet is used to determine the order of speakers at the Public Hearing.
Electronic Virtual Presentations
If you are unable to attend a Public Hearing at the Civic Cultural Centre but wish to speak in regard to a Public Hearing matter, you may make an electronic virtual presentation at the Public Hearing via Microsoft Teams by registering on the website with the provided link, submitting an email to Legislative Services at Legislative@blackfalds.ca or calling 403.885.6248.
If your presentation includes written or visual components, you may share them using the screen share function. Any materials you share at the Public Hearing must also be provided to Legislative Services to be retained by the Town of Blackfalds in the public record.
For instructions on how to raise your hand during a meeting, click here.
Written Submissions
Written submissions must be provided to Legislative Services in an email or letter format by the deadline on the Public Hearing Notice.
Email:
Put your comments in an email and send them to Legislative@blackfalds.ca by the deadline indicated on the Public Hearing Notice. Please include the bylaw number or description of the resolution of the Public Hearing in the subject line of your email, and your name in the body of the email.
Physical Letter:
Write your comments in a letter and mail your submission to Legislative Services at the address below by the deadline indicated on the Public Hearing notice.
Town of Blackfalds
c\o Legislative Services
5018 Waghorn Street, Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0
Please include “Public Hearing Submission” on the envelope of your letter, the bylaw number or description of the resolution of the Public Hearing in the subject line of your letter, and your name in the body of your letter. Your letter must be received by the deadline on the Public Hearing notice.
Note: Any correspondence or presentations submitted to the Town of Blackfalds on this notice will become part of the public record and will appear on the Town's website as part of the meeting agenda. The Town considers the author’s comments relevant to the Council’s consideration of this matter and will publish this personal information.