Title
Public Consultation Policy C-AD17
Proposed Motion(s)
1. That Council approve the proposed Public Consultation Policy C-AD17
2. That Council rescind the Public Consultation Requirements for Planning and Development Processes Policy PD-011.
Body
Administration Recommendations
Administration is of the opinion that the proposed new Public Consultation Policy C-AD17 meets Council's commitment to open and transparent governance and to engage residents as part of the decision-making process; therefore, Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
The proposed Public Consultation Policy C-AD17 is being brought forward in response to direction in Council's Strategic Plan for Administration to prepare a Consultation Directive that would enhance Parkland County's existing public consultation process.
Summary
Parkland County Council is committed to open, accountable, and responsive decision-making, which includes communication and consultation between Council and the public. Accordingly, on October 12, 2010, Council, by resolution number 353-10, approved the Public Consultation Requirements for Planning and Development Processes Policy PD-011 and Procedures PD-011-P1. While this policy outlined the public consultation standards and procedures for Planning and Development, it did not provide direction for the rest of the organization.
Administration reviewed the existing policy in conjunction with other public consultation policies and procedures and customized a policy that meets Council's objectives and provides direction to the entire organization: Public Consultation Policy C-AD17. The proposed policy provides overall direction and standards to which all departments must follow when initiating consultation with the public. Administration has also developed administrative procedures to complement the policy: Public Consultation Procedures AD-17-P1, which outline procedures for the entire organization, and Public Consultation for Planning and Development Procedures AD-17-P2, specific to the needs of Planning and Development Services.
The proposed policy was reviewed by Governance and Priorities Committee on September 18, 2012. Committee recommended the policy as presented come forward to Council for approval.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (
The proposed Public Consultation Policy C-AD 17 meets Council's Strategic Plan Governance Goal #1, Strategy #1, Action 1.1.2: Prepare a Consultation Directive to enhance our existing public consultation processes.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A
Other
The proposed new Public Consultation Policy C-AD17 includes the standards and expectations outlined in the Public Consultation Requirements for Planning and Development Processes Policy PD-011 and Procedures PD-011-P1. To avoid duplication and confusion, should Council approve the new policy, Administration recommends rescinding Policy PD-011 and Procedures PD-011-P1.