District of Squamish recognized for public engagement work

The campaign to update the District of Squamish Official Community Plan has been recognized for the way it encouraged residents to participate. The District received the award for Visual Engagement at the International Association for Public Participation, Canada (IAP2 Canada), Core Values Awards. The award was presented at the recent IAP2 North American Conference in Victoria.

The Core Values Awards are presented each year to give credit to the best projects in public engagement, and the Visual Engagement Award is given to a project that demonstrates the best notification to the public, the best materials to help the public be informed on the issues, and the best report on the contributions and impact the public’s participation had on the outcome.

“The District of Squamish has embraced IAP2 principles and core values as being foundational in good governance to improve dialogue with our citizens around decision-making,” says Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “Our efforts to motivate involvement from all corners of our community is an important element in the success of our public engagement programs, and has helped us forge closer community connections.”

Working with MODUS Planning, Design and Engagement, the District used imaginative branding with the hashtag #Squamish2040 and a logo that featured images of Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief; striking visual displays and even bicycle bells with the #Squamish2040 logo. As well, video presentations drew attention, in part, by including “out-takes” from interviews with staff and others, giving the project a more accessible look and feel.

Watch the video produced for this award: 

Videos produced for all Core Values Award winners can be seen online at https://www.iap2canada.ca/Core_Values_Awards/.

The District’s Official Community Plan visual journey and engagement summary reports can be found at https://squamish.ca/ocp/ocp-background/

About IAP2 Canada:

Established in 2011, IAP2 Canada (www.iap2canada.ca) is an affiliate of the worldwide IAP2 Federation, is dedicated to the principle that people affected by a decision have a right to be involved in that decision, in some way, from beginning to end; and supports practitioners who are trained in making that happen. IAP2 Canada also advocates for greater public involvement and provides an internationally-recognized certification process, which ensures that practitioners maintain the highest standards.

About the District of Squamish:

The District of Squamish is the local authority delivering municipal services to a community with a population of 19,893. These include members of the Squamish Nation upon whose traditional territory we live and operate. Growth in the community has been unprecedented in recent years. Nestled between ocean and mountains, and one hour north of Vancouver, the small-town setting, spectacular natural environment, and unmatched outdoor recreation make for a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and location for business investment. The community of Squamish boasts a flourishing and diverse arts and culture scene, Quest University Canada, exciting waterfront development projects, and a diverse economy ranging from tourism and wellness to forestry and manufacturing. A passionate local population strives to protect the ecosystem at the heart of what characterizes this adventure-centric outdoor lifestyle, while economic development efforts focus on clean energy, recreation technology, and knowledge-based industries.

September 19, 2018