Community engagement and transformation: case studies in municipal sustainability planning from Alberta, Canada

Abstract

In Canada, the use of a sustainability framework for municipal planning has recently been promoted and linked to federal government funding for infrastructure improvements. Within this framework, citizen involvement is identified as essential to creating a shared vision and plan for the development of more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable communities. This article examines and compares how communication processes and input voiced by community and external stakeholders influenced the transformation of two municipalities involved in sustainability planning in the province of Alberta. A social ecology perspective is used to analyze data gathered from stakeholder interviews and documentary review. Developing a common language for sustainability through education and dialogue facilitated the planning process and community change. In addition to acquiring a stronger voice and identity within the region, these communities also began to see themselves as part of a larger sustainability network.

Keywords:

• citizen engagement
• environmental and sustainability communication
• municipal sustainability planning
• social ecology