Presenting at NEC Meetings

Niagara Escarpment Commission meetings are open to the public and are held in the Commission offices in Georgetown, or at various locations along the Escarpment. Meetings are usually held the third Thursday of each month and start at 10.00 a.m.

If you would like to speak to the Commission, or attend the meeting to answer questions about your application, or an application of interest to you, a speaking appointment must be pre-arranged. Just ask Commission staff to arrange a time for you to speak at the Commission Meeting.

Commission Planners write a report on each application. They will send you a copy before the Commission meeting, and let you know the meeting date. If you wish to attend the Commission meeting, and the scheduled date is not suitable, let us know as soon as possible. Applicants may have their applications re-scheduled to a meeting that is convenient for them.

To assist you in preparing for the meeting, please consider these guidelines for making your presentation to the Commission and responding to questions:

The Commission members receive a copy of the staff report in advance of the meeting and are familiar with the issues. Therefore, your presentation should focus on additional or different information not covered in the staff report. Usually, about ten minutes is sufficient time for your presentation, followed by questions from the Commission. If you need more time, please let staff know when you are booking your appointment time.

The Commission members want to hear specifically and concisely about your position. If you have written information, it should be available a week before the Commission meeting so it can be included in the Commission's package, for their review along with the staff report. You can present pictures, maps or sketches at the Commission meeting. If you are a part of a group, one person should be selected to speak for the group.

• Following your presentation the Commission members may ask you questions to further clarify the information and better understand the issues. After this, you are welcome to remain while the members discuss the matter and make their decision.
• Occasionally, the Commission may propose a modification to an application that has not been previously considered by staff or the applicant. The applicant then has the opportunity to respond to the proposed modification or request a deferral to another meeting.
• If you wish to record or tape the meeting, please seek the Chair’s permission.
• Please turn cell phones off during the meeting.
• The Commission’s decision on a Development Permit Application may be appealed, within the 14 day appeal period, by the applicant, neighbouring property owners or consulted agencies. If no appeal is submitted, the Commission’s decision is confirmed. Hearings for Development Permit appeals and Hearings for Niagara Escarpment Plan Amendments are held by the Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT).

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any suggestions as to how we might serve you better, please let us know.

Click here for the full Procedural Guidelines for Niagara Escarpment Commission meetings