Carleton University 's Centre for Urban Research and Education (CURE) would like to hear what you have to say about how the pilot is doing so far. In 2006, the City of Ottawa launched the Neighbourhood Planning Initiative (NPI) in the Hintonburg area. The pilot aims to bring community stakeholders together to help guide the city's infrastructure and streetscaping, urban design and land use planning, and to shape a comprehensive neighbourhood plan.
The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All your answers will remain confidential and will be sent directly to CURE. We ask that you complete this survey before 7 March 2008.
To participate in the survey, please click on this link.
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact: Prof. Christopher Stoney (cstoney@connect.carleton.ca ) or Elaina Mack, (elaina_mack@carleton.ca), 613-520-2600 ext. 8371. At the end of the survey, you will be given the option to either submit the completed questionnaire or to discard it. In addition, we hope to undertake follow-up interviews and will ask for contact information if you agree to participate in that follow-up. The findings of this study will be officially available on CURE's by Summer 2008. The survey is entirely voluntary and you may choose not to participate. If you fill out the survey but wish at any time to have your data removed from the study, please let us know and the information will be removed and destroyed. Any identifying information will be kept strictly confidential. Data will only be reported in aggregate form (so it will not be possible to identify individual information) and will be encrypted and securely stored both in Canada and in the US , the latter of which falls under the jurisdiction of the Patriot Act.
- What is the Neighbourhood Planning Initiative?
- Who does it involve?
- What are the expected results?
- How can I get involved?
- Where can I find more information?
What is the NPI?
The NPI is intended to improve the physical and social quality of life for the citizens of Ottawa, Ontario by establishing an approach for a more inclusive and integrated approach to neighbourhood development. Based on the principles and initiatives of ‘community-based planning’ and ‘collaborative community building’ set out in Ottawa’s ‘2020’ growth plans, the NPI is an attempt to put these principles into practice and to develop best practices in neighbourhood planning. The approach is intended to build on local knowledge and better reflect the needs, priorities and concerns of local citizens.
Who does it involve?
At the community level, local groups are being brought together in an attempt to enhance local input into neighbourhood development and improve the dialogue between citizens and city staff on a broad range of issues. There are two pilots: one urban (Hintonburg) and the other rural (Vars). If proven effective, the NPI will be used city-wide to develop neighbourhoods.
In addition to the community, City departments responsible for urban planning and delivering local services are to increase inter-departmental collaboration in an effort to develop a more coherent, place-sensitive approach towards neighbourhoods. Multi-functional teams have been formed to integrate jurisdictions such as land use planning, physical infrastructure planning and social service plans so that the planning process incorporate physical, social and economic considerations.
What are the expected results of NPI?
The NPI is expected to improve both the process and outcomes of local decision-making and neighbourhood development. In particular, a number of benefits are expected such as:
- More responsive local government that is better aligned with local needs
- More efficient and effective usage of city resources
- Improved coordination of services and growth and an enhanced process of local participation and democracy
How can I get involved?
There are a number of events and planning sessions hosted by the City of Ottawa and community groups. For more information about these events, please contact the City of Ottawa’s Manager, Nancy Jackson at Nancy.Jackson[at]ottawa.ca
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the NPI project, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.
The following community-based organizations also regularly post information on their Web sites: Creative Neighbourhoods, Hintonburg Community Association, and the West Wellington Community Association |
