“This award is a testament to the hard work that has gone into engaging the public about the City of Vaughan’s Official Plan Review,” said Councillor Peter Meffe, Chair of the Official Plan Review Committee. “As the centrepiece of the City’s growth management strategy, the Official Plan Review brings together the various elements of successful city-building in order effectively plan the City’s growth to the year 2031.”

The award was given for the Vaughan Tomorrow – a Vision for Transformation public engagement package. Urban Strategies, working with City staff, developed an extensive public engagement strategy that included a range of media formats and venues to reach as many people as possible. Between December 2007 and October 2008, a speaker’s series and community workshops were held, providing  residents and business people the opportunity to contribute ideas. In addition, a number of Citizens’ Bulletins were produced to encourage informed discussion about major planning issues. Hundreds of comments were received from participants, which were then incorporated into the Vaughan Tomorrow Vision. All aspects of this public engagement program have been posted to a dedicated website at www.vaughantomorrow.ca.

“We must plan our growth to make the most of our opportunities,” said Mayor Linda Jackson. “Public participation and public input are crucial ingredients for success, particularly in terms of defining and conveying our primary goal of sustainable development and sustainable communities.”

The award was presented at the Ontario Professional Planners Institute’s conference held in partnership with the Canadian Institute of Planners last month in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Awards Program recognizes excellence in all aspects of the planning profession, including planning activities within communities. 

As described on www.ontarioplanners.on.ca, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is the recognized voice of the Province’s planning profession with more than 3,000 members working in government, private practice, universities, and non-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, urban design, environmental planning, transportation, health and social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development.

The preparation of a new Official Plan is part of the Vaughan Tomorrow growth management program, approved by Council in February, 2007. The three-year planning process is mandated by the Vaughan Vision 2020 strategic plan and includes the Environmental Master Plan, as well as several functional Master Plans in such areas as transportation, water management and financial planning.