Gravenhurst adopts new Communication Plan to help enhance public engagement
Gravenhurst Council agreed to implement a new Communication Plan to enhance public engagement, in the April 16, 2024, meeting.
Gravenhurst Council adopted a new Communication Plan as a tool to help enhance public engagement, in the April 16th meeting.
According to the staff report, in 2022 staff articulated a need for a “modern and robust communication plan” for maximum reach and interaction with the community. In 2023 the Town included funding in the Capital Budget to hire a consultant and awarded the contract to Interkom.
$30,000 has been allocated from the 2024 Capital Budget to support the implementation of the plan, and Council will be presented with other financial requirements as needed for consideration of the annual budget.
The report adds, “The aim of the Plan is to create a more transparent, accessible, and engaged communications environment, be creative with methods of communications to meet the needs of our diverse populations and provide opportunities for appropriate community engagement.”
According to the Plan, the Town needs to “address the gap in public engagement by involving the community in decision making processes related to developments and planning.”
Priorities will include new methods to share information, provide greater clarity with their communication, and create more options for enhanced community engagement. Efforts will involve revamping the Town website to make it more user friendly, streaming, and electronic participation at Council meetings, community consultations, including one-on-one meetings, small groups, and online surveys on the Engage Gravenhurst page.
Other areas of focus include increasing their social media presence and using it to interact with the community, encourage feedback, and include the community in decisions.
Inclusivity will be a priority in their approach, being attentive to diverse demographics and community preferences for communication. And new platforms, such as Spotify will be used to reach younger age groups.
Methods of communication will include their website, social media, email, newsletters, and radio to cater to different needs of residents, groups, tourists, and businesses. They will also develop their collaborations with local media and focus on participation in community events.
Another goal is to encourage two-way communication using online deputation methods, interactive public meetings, and other venues that allow for ongoing public feedback.
Councillor, Randy Jorgensen, expressed concern about electronic communications being a primary focus, indicating that “a large population doesn’t have access to it.” He inquired about methods the Town can use “to reach people not in the electronic world.”
Interkom representative, Kayla van Zon, advised that although postal mail is expensive, other options include in-person group meetings, and collaborating with local organizations to help get information out about important matters.
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, advised that the Town is already making strides in this area. She said, “We definitely improved some of our communications over the last little while.”
