Public input key to proposed sustainability plan

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

The Town of Windsor hired a consultant recently to engage the public in an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) to shape a solid future for the town.

CAO Louis Coutinho said Stantec has been appointed at a retained cost of $35,000 to take on the task of gathering community input on ideas surrounding economy; environment; society; and culture (forming the four pillars for the ICSP) in Windsor. “With that, council wants to develop a vision to develop over the next 20-30 years,” Coutinho said.

To ensure communities have a sustainable plan for monies spent around these pillars, which are issued to municipal governments through a Federal Gas Tax (one revenue source of approximately $90,000 for Windsor last year), sections for a new agreement require evidence of an ICSP, Coutinho noted. “But it’s not just to get gas tax money. This is about more than that. It’s about having a sustainable community.”

The government has identified sustainable development as such where communities are living within their means for the present without jeopardizing needs for future generations. The aim is to create a healthier environment and a better quality of life.

Can’t put dollar value on quality of life “We can’t look at this (money spent generating an ICSP) in dollars and cents because we can’t put money on a quality of life,” Coutinho said. “Doing things in a sustainable manner has a greater payback. People are healthier and environments are cleaner, and that’s just in air, land and water. When considering economic, cultural and social fabrics - to create long-term vibrancy as well - you know it’s money well spent.”

Some steps to help form Windsor’s ICSP, which is expected to be complete by March 2010, have been done already in the establishment of a joint transportation plan (made by collaborating with the Ecology Action Centre), a multi-year financial strategy, an engaging meet with the business community regarding new downtown/waterfront revitalization, and by newly engaged partnerships, Coutinho said. “But there is a lot still to be done; a huge piece in public consultation. It is about public engagements.”

Wants to hear from citizens

Council wants to hear from its citizens and Stantec has a methodology for engaging the public that is in line with what council is looking for, Coutinho said. “Windsor is definitely changing, but it has to change in a way this community wants to see it change. We need to talk to citizens to see how they want tax dollars spent.”

However, when consulting the public it’s best to do it properly and since it has been proven that traditional methods are not appropriate for rural areas, it’s critical Stantec makes efforts to reach out to the people, Coutinho said. “People here like to be approached, to meet at a kitchen table, so somewhere between the kitchen table and a large town hall is where we’ll meet. All (citizen) input is extremely important.”

There will be calls and invitations sent out, targeted group sessions set up and other possibilities for communication (with tools in online surveys or Facebook) explored, Coutinho said. “With this, I see a greater community involvement in how the town’s future is shaped. Then council will take all the information citizens provide and look at what’s feasible for a short-term and what needs to be considered long-term. “What we’ve got now is a quality of life that’s inviting,” Coutinho added, “and you’ve got to build on your strengths. What we want to see is a plan with vision and strategy.”