What is public engagement?

Public engagement identifies ways that residents, councillors and City employees can be involved and participate collaboratively in problem-solving and decision-making processes. It should be based on the following criteria:

Clarity of purpose: Participants must be clear on the role they play in the process.
Reflective of diverse populations and opinions: Efforts will be made to engage the community’s demographic diversity to the greatest extent possible.
Purpose: Raise awareness with residents and ensure that all participants’ perspectives are heard, taken into consideration and help to inform decision-making.
Based on accurate information: Ensure information about the major elements of any issue or initiative is accurate so that participants can refine their perspectives, voice their points of view and better understand those of others.
Organized and well-facilitated: Processes should be facilitated by someone who will encourage participation that is respectful and equitable so that discussions stay focused and sufficient time is given to the most important issues.
Communication of results: Results will be shared with residents. This includes reporting back after individual sessions and offering explanations of how input from participants informed final recommendations and/or decisions.

Our key principles of public engagement are

Inclusivity: Organizers will try to ensure an accurate representation of the community is reflected by using a range of techniques to engage residents.
Early involvement and timely communication: Accurate information will be communicated as early as possible in the public engagement process to assist residents in their planning, preparation and participation.
Respect: All participants must be respectful of diverse views, values and interests. The process must also respect decision-making protocols and jurisdictions at the municipal and provincial levels.
Transparent and accountable: The process will demonstrate a commitment to efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars and ensure both the process and its outcome are transparent.
Clear and coordinated approach: Throughout the engagement process, plain language and a variety of communication channels will be used to optimize residents’ input, because people learn and engage in different ways. Public engagement activities will be coordinated and/or combined where possible to help find efficiencies.
Continuous improvement: Public engagement activities will be regularly evaluated and improved.