A public meeting is an open session where community members can learn about proposed developments, policies, or issues and share their views. Unlike formal public hearings with legal requirements, public meetings are generally less structured opportunities for information sharing and dialogue. Municipalities hold public meetings for planning applications, infrastructure projects, budget discussions, and community issues. Meetings may include presentations, question periods, and small group discussions. Open meeting requirements in provincial legislation require most council business to be conducted publicly, with limited exceptions for confidential matters. Public meetings are fundamental to transparent local government.