Communicate

Communicate

Involving the users and the other people concerned by a project is an essential factor in a design process that aims at meeting the needs of the community and achieving social engagement. Inclusive, transparent communication from a perspective of dialogue promotes achievement of shared quality objectives. The format of exchanges and the target audiences may vary depending on the objectives to be attained: raising awareness, informing, consulting, canvassing, collaborating, outreach, etc. To that end, every project should adopt a communications and engagement plan with a detailed sequence of planned initiatives. Because they can arouse the curiosity and interest of as many people as possible in the creation and maintenance of a quality living environment, these initiatives should be implemented as early as possible and maintained throughout the project.*

How can communication be a lever for achieving greater benefits with the project?

By consulting a broader audience
  • Using public participation tools to present the vision and preliminary program of the project to a wider audience and to sound out the concerns and recommendations of users and neighbouring communities.

Examples of groups to consult:

  • Beneficiaries
  • Citizens concerned
  • Underrepresented citizens
  • Neighbouring property owners
  • Local community organizations
  • Borough councillors
  • The borough's planning advisory committee

Examples of participation and consultation mechanisms:

  • Public consultation with a plenary session
  • Themed issue table
  • Field survey
  • Multichannel online survey
  • Call for briefs
  • Transitional project
By emphasizing transparency of the decision-making process
  • Involving the decision-making resources early in the process to avoid procedural blockage and delays;
  • Prioritizing democratic decision-making processes to strengthen civic engagement and ensure the project process is accessible to the public.