How to write an effective letter
Letter writing is a useful tool for advocacy and can add a greater sense of importance to an issue. Scroll down for how you can reach Canmore's mayor and council with your thoughts.
Letters don't need to be long or fancy.
IDEALLY, THEY SHOULDN'T BE LONGER THAN A PAGE.
Doing your best to keep your message clear and concise will help your reader to understand your position and points.
TIP: when you think your letter is ready to go, read it back to yourself out loud. Then imagine you are on the other end, receiving the letter. Is there anything you would change?
THE BASICS, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Your address
Date
Name, title and address of the person you are writing
"Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms"
Paragraph 1 — the purpose of the letter
Paragraph 2 — the situation and the facts
Paragraph 3 — offer suggestions or solutions and ask for help
Paragraph 4 — if appropriate for your situation, specifically request a personal response
Closing—"Yours truly" or "Yours sincerely"
Your signature
Your name
Your contact info
LETTER-WRITING TIPS
Write the letter in your own words and use information that you are familiar with.
Be helpful—don't threaten: most people respond to threatening remarks by becoming defensive, and this won't help your cause.
Explain how your solutions would benefit your community.
Keep a copy of the letter and the response for your records. You might decide to write a follow-up letter if you are not satisfied with the response to your first letter. [source]
Submit your comments in writing
Submit a letter to be read and considered by the mayor and councillors prior to a public hearing.
After a public hearing date is set by council, and before the hearing begins, submit your written comments through our municipal clerk.
· Email municipal.clerk@canmore.ca
· In person (drop box is outside main entrance during COVID): Canmore Civic Centre, 902-7 Avenue
· Mail: Town of Canmore. Attn: Municipal Clerk, 902-7 Avenue, Canmore AB, T1W 3K1