Public Engagement

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Town of Cochrane and the Cochrane community recognize that public input can improve municipal decision-making. Since the current Public Engagement Policy was last approved in 2014, expectations and technology have changed: community members expect municipal governments to gather more feedback and be more open, transparent and consultative in their decision making; and municipalities now use more platforms, channels and virtual tools to engage residents. Residents are looking for opportunities to share their views, voice their opinions and provide feedback based on their own experiences.

In addition, amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) require municipalities to adopt a public participation policy that identifies the types or categories of approaches and circumstances that will be used to engage stakeholders.

Town Administration has initiated a comprehensive review and re-write of the policy, along with the development of a framework and toolkit for internal use, to ensure it meets the needs of residents.

PROVIDE YOUR INPUT

Your input matters. Feedback from residents, businesses, community groups, Town Council, committees and staff has been essential in developing the Town’s Public Engagement policy, strategy and toolkit.

View the Town’s Public Engagement Policy (reviewed and approved by Council in June 2018).

WHAT WE HEARD REPORT

Throughout May and June 2018, the Town invited the community to get involved in the creation of the Public Engagement Strategy. The goal was to raise awareness about the project, communicate the roles of local government and the roles that residents can play in municipal decision-making, and gather input to guide the development of the policy, strategy and toolkit. Responses were gathered through a survey available at letstalkcochrane.ca and interactive tools at the annual Chamber Trade Show.

This report provides a summary of what we heard through these activities.