DOES THE PUBLIC HAVE OPPORTUNITY FOR INPUT?
Lots of things can happen in between bylaw readings. In some cases, like Land Use Bylaws, municipalities are required to hold a public hearing after first reading has passed, but before second reading is considered. The reason first reading must be passed, well, first, is so council can decide if they support continuing with the debate at all. After the public hearing, council will call for second reading, which is when they can debate the bylaw, propose changes, and ultimately vote on whether or not it should pass.
Sometimes council will decide to hold a public hearing, or gather public input in other ways, even when it is not required by legislation. Council also sometimes asks administration to provide more information before a final decision is made. This usually happens after second reading, when council has had a chance to debate the issue and determine if they need more input before continuing.
Sometimes council will decide to hold a public hearing, or gather public input in other ways, even when it is not required by legislation. Council also sometimes asks administration to provide more information before a final decision is made. This usually happens after second reading, when council has had a chance to debate the issue and determine if they need more input before continuing.