Tips for Presenting

Please note that the Board is not an evidence-seeking body. It relies on written evidence presented, as well as verbal submissions made at hearings, as the basis for its decisions. It is therefore critical that persons appearing before the Board ensure that sufficient evidence is presented to support their respective positions.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to present evidence to support their application or respond to the issues raised by the appellant(s) or affected parties. The applicant should not rely on the Development/Subdivision Authority to make the case for them.

The Board may on a case-by-case basis require parties to an appeal to submit their presentations and/or materials in advance of the hearing in order to have an efficient hearing. In these cases, the Board will advise the parties accordingly.

Listed below are some suggestions that will assist you in making a presentation to the SDAB:

• At the beginning of your presentation introduce yourself for the record and state your position (in favour or opposition of the appeal).
• Introduce your speakers.
• Speak to the presiding Chair or through the Chair.
• If you wish to have materials distributed to the Board, advise the presiding Chair at the beginning of your presentation.
• Stick to the planning facts and support them with quantifiable (measurable) data. Reference planning policies, traffic studies, parking statistics, sun shadow studies, etc.
• Reference any pages, paragraphs, sections and/or article of any documents you are quoting.
• Present your opinion regarding any errors in fact or interpretation.
• State the detailed issues about the site in the context of the surrounding properties and the impact on the community.
• Show photographs, illustrative materials and well-prepared drawings throughout your presentation. 

Note: Once you complete your presentation, leave a copy of your written presentation and any materials that you presented to the Board with the SDAB Clerk.