A petition is a formal request to those in authority, such as elected officials, for an action to be taken.

Only those voting (electors) in a municipality are eligible to petition.  The only exception to this is where owners of the property can petition in regard to local improvements.

Electors can petition elected councils: 

• to hold a public meeting;
• for a public vote on an advertised bylaw or resolution; or
• for local improvements.

There are limitations to what may be petitioned. The Alberta Municipal Government Act prohibits petitions:

• for a vote on proposed planning, development, and road closure bylaws or resolutions, even though they are advertised;
• for new bylaws or against existing bylaws or resolutions related to financial administration, assessment of property, taxation, planning and development, and inter-municipal collaboration; and
• against necessary local sewer improvements and private connections to water and sewer improvements.

General Petition Requirements

1. Each page of the petition must contain an identical statement of the purpose of the petition. Each page must also contain an identical statement on the protection of personal information.
2. The petition must include, for each petitioner:
   • the printed surname and printed given names or initials of the petitioner;
   • the signature of the petitioner;
   • the street address of the petitioner (a "rural route" or "post office box" address is not sufficient), or the legal description of the land on which the petitioner lives, the petitioner's telephone number or e-mail address, if any; and
   • the date on which the petitioner signs the petition.
3. The signature of an adult witness must be included next to each petitioner's signature. Each witness must also take an affidavit that, to the best of the person's knowledge, the signatures witnessed are those of the persons entitled to sign the petitions. These witness affidavits must be included with the petition when filed with the City Clerk's Department.
4. Upon completion of the petitioning process, and prior to submission, a signed statement of the Representative of the petitioners must be attached to the petition. The statement must state:
   • that the person named in the statement is the representative of the petitioners; and
   • that the council may direct any inquiries about the petition to the representative.

Please click here for a Petition Information Package.