Title
Policy C-461 Public Participation
Proposed Motions
1. That the proposed Public Participation Policy C-461 be received for information, as presented.
2. That Administration be directed to present the Public Participation Policy C-461 at the November 24, 2026, Council meeting for consideration.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To update Council on the Engagement Program Review and to present the proposed Public Participation Policy C-461 for Council’s consideration, which would replace existing Policy C-AD51.
Summary
As per s216.1(1) of the Municipal Government Act, Parkland County is required to establish and maintain a public participation policy to govern public participation processes. Alberta Regulation 193/2017 (the Public Participation Policy Regulation) sets out the basic requirements for what must be included within the public participation policy. Parkland County’s existing Public Engagement Policy (Policy C-AD51) was approved by Council in 2016 and has remained in effect since that time.
In October 2025, Administration initiated the Engagement Program Review Project to evaluate Policy C-AD51 and the County’s approach to public engagement in order to identify opportunities to improve consistency, accountability, transparency, and organizational capacity. This review, completed by Catalyst Communications, included background research and jurisdictional scan, policy review, internal staff engagement, public engagement via survey and focus groups, and a public participation maturity assessment.
While the existing Policy C-AD51 continues to satisfy basic legislative requirements, the Engagement Program Review Project identified opportunities to modernize the policy and better align it with industry best practices, community expectations, and organizational needs. Key findings and recommendations arising from the review were presented to Council at the May 5, 2026, Government and Priorities Committee meeting.
The proposed Public Participation Policy C-461 is a result of these efforts. The proposed policy establishes Council's commitment to meaningful, inclusive, and accountable public participation. The Policy intends to standardize public engagement processes and to support meaningful public engagement, more informed decision-making, and greater public understanding. It introduces key improvements, including:
- Adoption of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum
- Adoption of the Municipal Engagement Continuum (MEC)
- Guiding principles for public participation
- Clarified organizational roles and responsibilities
- Updated policy direction regarding engagement triggers, reporting, privacy, digital engagement, Indigenous engagement, and third-party-led engagement activities
The proposed policy intends to provide strategic governance direction while supporting more consistent public participation practices across the organization. The Engagement Review Project also includes a supporting Administrative Procedure which will confirm operational requirements and implementation tools.
Administration recommends that Council receive the proposed Public Participation Policy C-461, for information at this time. Any feedback received through this discussion will support final refinement of the policy before Administration brings forward a future recommendation regarding policy adoption.
History
App 26-072 (Appointment-Performance & Project Update Report - September 15, 2026)
App 26-044 (Appointment - Performance & Project Update Report - May 26, 2026)
App 26-034 (Engagement Project Update - May 5, 2026)
App 26-018 (Appointment-Performance & Project Update Report - February 24, 2026)
RFD 25-066 (Corporate Project Update Report - March 25, 2025)
App 25-040 (Appointment-Performance & Project Update Report - May 20, 2025)
App 25-051 (Appointment-Performance & Project Update Report - September 2, 2025)
App 25-060 (Appointment-Performance & Project Update Report - November 4, 2025)
Strategic Plan:
Strategic Driver C: Community Impact
Goal 1: Enhance community engagement by strengthening communication with residents.
The proposed Public Participation Policy C-461 establishes guiding principles, governance expectations, and standards intended to support meaningful opportunities for public involvement in decisions that affect residents, businesses, and community members.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: N/A