How do I register to speak at a budget public hearing?

Use the City Clerk’s delegation or meeting registration process as published on the City Clerk or budget pages; check the agenda notice for deadlines and required materials.

Can I submit written comments instead of speaking?

Yes. Written submissions are accepted per the notice instructions and become part of the public record; confirm submission address or online upload method on the meeting notice.

Will my delegation change the budget?

Council considers delegations alongside staff reports and financial analyses; delegations inform decisions but final budget approval rests with Council.

London Budget Public Hearing - City Bylaw Guide

Taxation and Finance Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026

London, Ontario holds public hearings and council meetings as part of annual budget deliberations to allow residents to speak to proposed tax rates, service changes, and capital projects. This guide explains how hearings are scheduled, how to register or submit written comments, what officials oversee the process, and how decisions are recorded and published. It is aimed at residents, community groups, and small businesses preparing to participate in municipal budget consultations.

How hearings are scheduled and noticed

Budget public hearings are scheduled by Finance in coordination with the City Clerk and published in the council meeting agendas; notice periods and meeting dates are posted on the City of London website and in meeting agendas. For official scheduling and notice details, consult the City’s budget pages and council meeting notices City of London: Budget process^[1].

Who manages public participation

The City Clerk’s office administers delegation requests, speaking rules, and the order of business for council and committee meetings; rules of conduct and registration procedures are available from the City Clerk. For forms and Clerk contact information see the City Clerk pages City of London: City Clerk^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Budget public hearings themselves do not create criminal offences; enforcement provisions that apply to municipal bylaws, meeting conduct, and statutory filings are set out in the applicable bylaw or statute. Where the City’s procedural rules or bylaw enforcement provisions are relevant they are administered by the City Clerk, By-law Enforcement, or the appropriate regulatory department.

Fines or monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page for budget hearings; consult the specific bylaw or enforcement page for amounts.
Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page; enforcement approach depends on the controlling bylaw or statute.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders, removal from meeting, denial of delegation privileges, or referral to legal action are possible depending on rules in the Procedure By-law or enforcing instrument.
Enforcer and complaints: City Clerk and By-law Enforcement handle procedural complaints and meeting conduct; submit complaints via the City Clerk contact page.
Appeals and review: specific appeal routes (for example judicial review or statutory appeal) are determined by the governing statute or bylaw; time limits are not specified on the cited budget and Clerk pages.

If a precise fine or time limit is needed, request the controlling bylaw section from the City Clerk.

Applications & Forms

The City Clerk typically provides a delegation or "request to speak" process for council and committee meetings; the City’s public meeting and City Clerk pages list available forms or online registration where published. If a specific form name, number, fee, or deadline is required it must be confirmed on the Clerk or department page; the cited pages do not list a universal fee or form number.

How-To

Steps to participate effectively in a London budget public hearing are below.

Check the published meeting agenda and notice for date, time, and registration instructions on the City of London budget or council pages.
Submit a delegation request or written submission per the Clerk’s instructions, attaching any supporting documents and indicating the topic.
Prepare a concise statement focused on budget impacts, estimated dollar figures, recommended alternatives, and whether you seek a specific bylaw change.
If applicable, follow payment instructions or fee submission procedures listed for any formal applications; for most delegation requests no fee is required unless noted.
Attend the meeting in person or by the published virtual method, adhere to time limits, and follow Clerk directions during the hearing.

Bring one printed copy of materials for the Clerk and council to streamline the record process.

FAQ

How do I register to speak at a budget public hearing?: Use the City Clerk’s delegation or meeting registration process as published on the City Clerk or budget pages; check the agenda notice for deadlines and required materials.
Can I submit written comments instead of speaking?: Yes. Written submissions are accepted per the notice instructions and become part of the public record; confirm submission address or online upload method on the meeting notice.
Will my delegation change the budget?: Council considers delegations alongside staff reports and financial analyses; delegations inform decisions but final budget approval rests with Council.

Key Takeaways

Register early and check the meeting notice for deadlines.
Provide concise, evidence-based submissions and any supporting documents.