Recruitment is underway for a Citizen Engagement Group that will play an important role in shaping the future of environmental sustainability in Red Deer.
This year the City will review and update the Environmental Master Plan (EMP), which was first developed in 2011, and set short, medium and long-term strategies for achieving environmental sustainability.
“When the EMP was developed, we committed to update it periodically to reflect how the community, technology and trends are changing, and to update the plan based on information learned from measuring and monitoring progress over time,” said Nancy Hackett, Environmental Initiatives supervisor. “This is why the City is undertaking a review now – to consider our progress to date, assess what is working well or what we need to adjust, and recommend how best to proceed in the future.”
As with the development of the original EMP, citizens will have a role to play in this project. A Citizen Engagement Group (CEG) is being formed to ensure the voices of the community are represented in the project. Made up of 12-15 members of the community, the CEG will work collaboratively to influence decisions and provide community input on specific areas of the project.
“CEGs are an important form of public participation that allow us to hear from a broad cross-section of the community on specific issues,” said Julia Harvie-Shemko, director of Communications and Strategic Planning. “We’re excited to launch our first CEG, and we look forward to the perspectives, ideas and collaboration this group will bring to the Environmental Master Plan review project.”
The CEG is open to anyone who lives in or owns a business in Red Deer, and we’re looking for a broad range of perspectives on environmental issues. Applications are available on the City’s web site at www.reddeer.ca/shapeourcity, under Current Opportunities, or at City Hall, 1st floor Reception. Completed applications are due May 5th, and the CEG is expected to start meeting in early July.
In addition to the CEG, there will be other opportunities for residents to share feedback throughout the EMP review project.
– Fawcett
