Whistle Bend Case study

What an awesome opportunity this was to see the type of community engagement that is happening in my own hometown. When we were searching for a case study I googled " Whitehorse community engagement" and was very surprised to find this case study. Not only is it actually happening (the development has been approved) but it is happening now. It is very inspiring to know that such form of public consultation are being conducted in the north. In some ways the Yukon is very behind the times as far as regulation and climate change issues go (ie: there are only 10 people in the Yukon signed up for the One million acts of green!) yet things are changing and people are getting involved, something that is not new for the Yukon. Yukon communities tend to be very open to community involvement - if you are willing the possibilities are endless.

I was also surprised when I asked about turnout numbers to these types of processes and our teacher responded that 70 people (that attended the Charette process for Whistle Bend) out of 24,000 is actually a very good turnout. And here I was thinking what a poor turnout our city had. I guess in some ways our little northern community is actually achieveing theiur goal of setting a Canadian standard for community engagement - who knew? I definitely did not know that about my community.
I can say that having taken these classes on sustainability and community relations have really educated me as to the processes that are out there and inspired me to become more active when I return to the Yukon.