City of Courtenay Official Community Plan - 2026 update

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The City’s Engagement Framework 1 The City's Engagement Framework includes five Guiding Principles. • We listen to learn: Every

Policies

CP 1

The City will seek opportunities to take a proactive community

participatory approach for the purpose of encouraging open dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes to be applied, but not limited, to the proactive planning OCP review cycle. The City will follow the International Association of Public Participation’s (IAP2) best management practices to inform the City's Communication and Engagement Frameworks. The City will implement the City's Engagement Framework for public and interest holder engagement. The City will apply appropriate engagement tools and techniques to provide a consistent approach to public engagement efforts across a range of community decisions based on the impact of the decision or change. The City will seek input from equity-priority and under represented groups on how they would like to safely and comfortably participate in engagement processes, and then create an engagement strategy accordingly.

engagement starts with the commitment to listen deeply, meaningfully, and equitably to

ensure everyone who lives, works, plays and learns in Courtenay has an opportunity to share.

CP 2

• We are guided by equity: The

City recognizes systemic barriers and commits to removing them by creating safe, inclusive spaces and addressing the unique needs of each group. Earning trust is foundational to our engagement efforts. The City aims to ensure that participants understand how their feedback is used and how their voices influence outcomes. We are flexible and adaptive: The City commits to remaining flexible, tailoring engagement methods to meet community needs and adapting our practices as we learn. We value relationships and reconciliation: The City is dedicated to building and maintaining strong, respectful connections with Indigenous communities, equity deserving groups and all residents.

CP 3

• We commit to transparency:

CP 4

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CP 5

1 Based on the City of Courtenay's Communication Strategy & Engagement Framework

City of Courtenay Official Community Plan