CRD involving the public

In continuation to my “Stop asking questions, you’re confusing me” blog, Judy Brown came into our class to discuss the CRD’s core liquid water plan, indicating the problems and goals this project is planning. As I mentioned in a previous blog, they weren’t involving the public in the discussions, but from Judy’s talk it seems there are ready now to begin talks and getting the word out on the project. This of course is an excellent move to do, as the more people feel their involved in a project the more they will participate. One could say it took them to long as they do need to talk to people about this issue and begin community engagement.

Problem with community engagement is most people don’t think long term, and the perceptions of wastewater can be outdated or skewed. So crossing these borders is a difficult task many municipalities and organizations are in the middle of.

Options to encourage community engagement (ideas generated from Royal Royal classmates):
· Instead of inviting people to take part, go directly to them
· Radio spot to get some of the younger listeners
· Talk to younger people in school, as school’s are a means to reach parents
· Go to pharmacies or talk to doctors
· Enlist some Co-op students that go door to door to spread the word
· Add information on a community bulletin board, and if it is hand written it can make it more personal
· Use social networks such as facebook to talk to people and spread the word.

Exert: Judy Brown, Community lecture at Royal Roads University (Feb.20.09)