The Town of Redwater encourages public engagement

By Brandie Majeau
The Town of Redwater focuses on governing a community and discusses the
impact and ways that Redwater community members can participate in the decision-
making process. The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires municipalities to have
a Public Participation Policy to involve residents and stakeholders in decisions that
affect them. The policy aims to engage with stakeholders, promote sustainable choices,
and provide necessary information for meaningful participation. Consistency is
emphasized to ensure fairness, transparency, and trust in decision-making.
There are many ways in which residents and ratepayers may participate in
community determinations. Open Houses & Info Events invite attendance to community
gatherings and information sessions to learn about upcoming projects and share your
thoughts. Member at Large for Committees encourages residents to consider joining
committees to contribute their expertise and perspectives to meaningful discussions and
decision-making processes. Surveys and Polls are a way to provide input and share
opinions conveniently and anonymously. Finally, Public Hearings allow the public to
voice opinions on specific matters directly to the council and contribute to the decision-
making process.
Public hearings are important because they ensure fairness by giving everyone a
chance to speak directly to decision-makers. They promote community involvement and
allow people to share their ideas, leading to better choices for everyone. Additionally,
holding public hearings when required by law demonstrates adherence to rules and
making decisions the right way. This commitment to fairness and transparency in the
decision-making process fosters trust and confidence in the community. Overall, public
hearings ensure that everyone has a say in the town’s affairs, contributing to a better
community for all.
There are also additional ways for community members to provide input to the
council beyond public hearings and open houses. These include Public Input Sessions,
where community members can speak directly to the council about community issues or

projects, and Delegations, where individuals can appear before the council with specific
problems or concerns. However, there are limitations on the topics that can be
addressed through these avenues, such as legal matters, privacy issues, and matters
already discussed in public hearings but have yet to be decided. These sessions offer
valuable opportunities for community members to contribute to the decision-making
process and help shape the future of the community.

Public participation is crucial for various reasons. Engaging the community in
decision-making processes ensures that the needs and interests of the people are
considered. Gathering input from the public through methods such as input sessions,
surveys, public forums, and council meetings is invaluable for making well-informed
decisions that directly benefit the community as a whole. This inclusive approach fosters
transparency, accountability, and legitimacy in the decision-making process, making
each community member a vital part of the town’s well-being.
For more information on municipality matters, visit www.redwater.ca.