An open house is a public engagement event where residents can drop in during scheduled hours to learn about proposed projects, plans, or issues and provide feedback to municipal staff. Unlike formal public hearings with structured presentations, open houses allow flexible attendance and one-on-one conversations with staff at information stations. Display boards, maps, and handouts present information while staff answer questions and record comments. Open houses are less intimidating than formal hearings, potentially reaching residents who might not attend evening meetings. They're commonly used for planning initiatives, infrastructure projects, and community consultations, complementing other engagement methods to gather diverse input.