Public Engagement during COVID-19
Consultation has concluded
As we all adjust to doing business in a time of COVID-19, there are many conversations happening about how we continue to do the regular day-to-day business of cities. This includes seeking feedback from the public on policies, programs and projects. On March 17, the City postponed any planned public engagement activities based on public health recommendations around in-person meetings and physical distancing at the time.
As we listen to our provincial and federal updates, it is becoming clear that working virtually and maintaining physical distancing is going to be the new normal for a while. With that in mind, we want to consider how we continue to do our public engagement work virtually in a way that respects our public engagement principles.
There are several projects the city had planned to engage on this spring including: sidewalk snow clearing, Churchill Square and wayfinding signage.
Before we restart our public engagement efforts for projects, we want your feedback. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions below.
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Share What Ideas do you have to ensure public engagement that is virtual-only is effective? on Facebook Share What Ideas do you have to ensure public engagement that is virtual-only is effective? on Twitter Share What Ideas do you have to ensure public engagement that is virtual-only is effective? on Linkedin Email What Ideas do you have to ensure public engagement that is virtual-only is effective? link
Effective virtual engagement will likely require changes to how we think about public engagement and the tools we typically use to come together. What ideas do you have to better use our online processes/tools? Are there tools or techniques that might work better for you online? What do you need to participate virtually? Tell us about your ideas here.
View All Ideasabout 4 years ago
ONE simple yet effective website streamlining all relative info to the people that need it.
Too many sites with wrong information... ONE site with the correct information and an easy to use search function would be great.
about 4 years ago
Please address the looming financial crisis in City Finances
Reductions in revenue from recreation, rentals, St.John's Sports and Entertainment/ Convention Center, failing businesses, and landlords who will be unable to pay blended taxes and residents who will be in the same boat due to layoffs and business reductions/ failures is going to lead to a significant budget shortfall in the tens of millions of dollars. Act now and follow Halifax's lead. Mothball unused facilities, layoff all non-essential staff and roll back wages across the board but especially in higher-paid positions. You will not be able to claim you didn't see it coming when you have been asked by reporters numerous times. Having a viable City is more important than anything else. This is a new world and we need to adapt quickly.
about 4 years ago
Use the results from any engagement now with extreme caution
Even more than usual responses will be dependent on online access and comfort, and will come from the people with time and energy to spare during the crisis not a broad range of users. Good for accessing expert views, less so for testing public opinion...
about 4 years ago
Post links to tutorials
For anyone who might be unfamiliar with online virtual tools like Zoom or Teams. This way they will be able to engage more comfortably.
about 4 years ago
To ensure for full public transparency consultations should ensure that the press have easy access to the public sessions and citizens
