Public consultation and resident engagement are pillars of a successful project. Acknowledging the desire residents have to participate in decision-making helps build a strong foundation for trust. As a municipal planner, the last thing you want is to be perceived as making a decision on behalf of the community without first having their input and support.
Whether it's a new park, redeveloping an existing recreation centre, or even reconfiguring roadways you need to communicate key aspects of that project to the people impacted by it the most.
When a project gains traction it is important to have a simple way of publishing succinct information so that residents and benefactor groups have a place to go and learn about its various phases, challenges, and benefits.
The best way to do this is through a combination of onsite signage, general community communications (social media, newsletters, reports etc.), and a dedicated project web page that you can control the content and feedback on.
Project Pages or Portals
When your project needs a web presence fast, Project Pages deliver. They are a turn-key solution with no learning curve and no login.
Along with the page, residents have the ability to submit questions, comments, reservations, and sign up for a newsletter (all reviewed by you before being posted online). Complete a request form and have it up and running in a day.
Onsite Signage
Do you need to gain insight into how residents feel about a local project? Onsite signage (with a survey QR code) targets the people affected by that project the most. The closer this recruitment channel is to the impacted neighbourhood the higher the participation is going to be.
Newsletters
This is all about building relationships and distributing key information. When creating a newsletter for residents, steer clear of only discussing one project and instead focus on a general public consultation theme. Once a month or once a quarter everyone receives updates about projects currently being worked on. This approach builds engagement capacity over time.
Practicing Community Engagement
The W Group’s team members are seasoned professionals with experience in the practice of community engagement. Email us at communications@thewgroup.ca for more information about gaining support on your next project.