The Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach values open communication and community involvement. This policy explains how we include residents and stakeholders in decisions that may affect them.

Below is a simple overview of what the policy does and how public input is used.

Purpose:

This policy helps us:

  • Give residents meaningful ways to share their ideas and concerns
  • Provide clear information so people can participate confidently
  • Make decisions that reflect community needs and perspectives
  • Go beyond the minimum requirements set by provincial law

Public participation helps strengthen trust, improve decisions, and support a healthy relationship between Council, Administration, and the community.

Key Provisions

Who We Engage

We seek input from:

  • Residents
  • Property owners
  • Local organizations
  • Anyone who may be affected by a municipal decision

These groups are referred to as Municipal Stakeholders.

How We Engage

We use a variety of tools, depending on the topic, such as:

  • Open houses or town halls
  • Online surveys or polls
  • Written submissions
  • Email feedback
  • Advisory committees
  • Meetings or workshops

Not every decision will use every tool — each project has a customized plan.

When We Ask for Feedback

A Public Participation Plan is created when we need input on things like:

  • New or changing municipal programs
  • Budget planning
  • Strategic or long-term community planning
  • Capital projects
  • Any topic Council decides needs public input

Roles & Responsibilities

Council will:

  • Approve participation plans
  • Consider all feedback
  • Support open and respectful engagement

Administration will:

  • Create and carry out the engagement plan
  • Share results with Council and the public
  • Evaluate what worked and what could improve

Standards for Participation

To keep engagement respectful and effective:

  • Activities must be accessible and inclusive
  • The process must be clear, respectful, and transparent
  • Stakeholders are expected to participate respectfully
  • Feedback results will be shared after each engagement

Reporting Back

After engagement is complete, a summary is shared that explains:

  • How the public was engaged
  • What we heard
  • How the information will guide decisions