Community Engagement

Engagement Principles

Every engagement program needs to be unique to the community, and the needs, goals and character of the community will largely dictate what form that engagement takes. However, it is possible to articulate principles that should apply to all programs (or at least should be considered).

• Make program information accessible – The opportunities and procedures involved in a given TDC program must be clear and accessible. This makes participation easier, and helps address misconceptions before they arise.
• Promote the program – It is not enough to simple establish a program and sit back to watch it operate; there is no auto-pilot! Community members need to be made aware (proactively, and on an on-going basis) that the program exists, what changes have occurred, and the successes that have been achieved.
• Community members are topic experts – Most of the expertise needed exists within the community. Local developers know what bonuses will be attractive. Conservation groups will know which parcels are under threat. Etc. Several U.S. programs draw from these groups to create standing program advisory committees.
• Use existing engagement opportunities – Much of the necessary engagement can take place through existing avenues such as MDP reviews, bylaw hearings, ASP creation, agricultural service operations, etc.
• Homework is critical - … and you may already have done it! Background studies on environmental significant areas, agricultural viability, historical resources inventories, community surveys, etc. are vital inputs to program design. And because TDC programs support existing goals (!), much of this information may already have been collected.
• Don’t promise a ‘Silver Bullet’ – As powerful as they are, there are more places that a TDC program won’t work than there are places that it will. Being clear about what this tool is intended to do in your community – and what it cannot do – is vital in keeping expectations at the right level.