IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation

The City of City uses the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation to help communicate the levels of engagement on a project or initiative. The Spectrum is used internationally, and it is found in many public participation plans across Canadian municipalities. This content has been adapted from the IAP2 and is the City's commitment to sharing when and how input will be considered on projects and initiatives.

We share on each project which level of the spectrum that engagement is occurring on, and if that level will change throughout the project.

Level of engagement

Inform

Consult

Involve

Collaborate

Empower
Who City-employee initiated Predominantly City employee-initiated Residents, council and City employees Residents, council and City employees This will usually be driven by council.
What The first step for all public engagement. Effective when the direction of an issue is constrained by time, budget, technical and/ or statutory requirements, but there is an opportunity for residents to influence details. Requires a more open timeframe. Requires more time and/or resources/ budget allocated.
This will usually be driven by council.
Public participation goal To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and/ or solutions. To obtain public feedback on analysis and alternatives. To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered. To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision, including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. To place final decision- making in the hands of the public.
Promise to the public We will keep you informed. We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations, and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are considered and evaluated and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. We will look to you for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and look to incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible. We will implement what you decide.