Speak at Council on June 3

Speaking to council (remotely or in-person) is the single most impactful thing you can do to help defend our new zoning by-law.

Signing up only takes a minute, and you can choose to speak in person or remotely

1. Follow this link

2. Select "Urban Planning Committee" and enter June 3 as the date

3. Where it asks for the agenda number and title, enter: 7.2 - Zoning Bylaw 20001 One Year Review.

4. Select "no" where it asks "Would you like to be available to answer questions only?"

5. The City Clerk will send you a confirmation, and a reminder the day before.

Tips on speaking to council

1. Write it down

You don't need to write an epic poem, but make sure you have your points clearly made and easily accessible if you get lost. Brief is better; you have 5 minutes to speak.

2. Make it personal

Tell them who you are, what part of the city you live in, and why you care about this issue. You’re the expert on what you care about — you don't have to get intimate, but speaking to your specific experience means more than a talking point.

3. Focus on ONE BIG TAKEAWAY

You don't need to cover everything: there will be lots of speakers. Sum up your support in a line or two, then let everything that follows support that point. Need some talking points? You can talk about why the new zoning bylaw is good for climate, financial sustainability, and housing affordability.

4. Keep it civil

Earnestness and respect might not make you stand out, but a lack of them will surely get you dismissed. Keep the clever retorts and sarcastic asides for Twitter or the group chat: we’re there to convince council, not argue with the other side.

5. There's nothing wrong with keeping it short

We’re happy to help with anything you need — seriously, just email us — but remember your presence is the most important thing. If you just want to say you support the bylaw and yield your time, that's enough.