Welland, ON – The City of Welland invites residents to shape the future of public engagement by completing a new survey available on the Engage Welland platform or in hard copy at the Welland Community Centre and Welland Public Library (Main branch).
The survey is open from January 23 to February 12 at 4:30 p.m. This initiative reflects the City’s dedication to meaningful public engagement, ensuring resident voices are heard and thoughtfully considered in decision-making processes.
“Our goal with public engagement is to balance public input with responsible decision-making, resulting in sustainable and well-informed solutions,” said Marc MacDonald, chief communications and engagement officer. “While public engagement is not a vote or a guarantee that public opinion will dictate the final decision, it plays a vital role in guiding us toward decisions that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations.”
The survey establishes a benchmark for the City’s current engagement efforts and seeks feedback on areas for improvement, including the frequency of updates, preferred communication platforms, and how residents and interested parties want to be engaged. Insights gathered will shape the City’s future public engagement strategies and improve the tools and processes used to involve the community.
As part of the initiative, the City will use the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum—Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, Empower—to ensure public voices are central to discussions. Engage Welland, the City’s online engagement hub, will remain a key tool for hosting projects and updates, with plans for expanded use and updates in 2025.
Public engagement outcomes are influenced by factors such as legislation, the greater good, financial considerations, and potential risks to the community. Resident input will contribute to the balance between community perspectives and responsible governance, helping to build a more vibrant and connected Welland.
For more information, visit www.engagewelland.ca/public-engagement or fill out a survey at the Welland Community Centre and Welland Public Library (Main branch).