Agencies and governments across Canada are under increasing pressure to engage their public. Some due to pressure because they have failed to meet the public’s expectations, or they are seen as disconnected from the public and must regain its trust.
Whatever the reason, it is important to ask: What does it really mean to engage the public? What rewards and risks await those who pursue this path?
Public involvement efforts are designed to enable community members - stakeholders to be a part of decisions that affect their life, to provide guidance and commentary on such topics as potential land use. Governments and agencies offer public hearings, informational meetings, media briefings, advisory board meetings, round table discussions and various publications to educate the public on issues that affect their life.
There are many examples of failed public participation process - in order to ensure that yours is not one of those failed processes use the knowledge and experience of HELEN J. WYTHE & Associates to apply the full scope of planning required for effective participation, including information, timing, resources, techniques, and roles and responsibilities. For more on Public Participation >>
