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?
- 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
- 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.