Communications and Engagement Plan with Initial Results Transportation Master Plan

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1 Page 7 of Report TS-4-14 Communications and Engagement Plan with Initial Results Transportation Master Plan Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the public engagement and communications activities that will be used to support the development of Burlington s Transportation Master Plan. Engaging residents and the various stakeholder groups is an important part of the Transportation Master Plan. The communications and engagement plan is designed to offer a variety of ways to inform and involve residents and stakeholders in the process and to create awareness. Background The City of Burlington s Transportation Master Plan will set out a 20 year vision for transportation in the city. It will ensure that our transportation infrastructure, services and operational policies are sufficient and appropriate for the growth expected in the city. A sustainable transportation master plan involves creating a network that reduces the use of resources including financial, energy and environmental and still accommodates the transportation needs of the community. The very things that make Burlington unique; the escarpment and our proximity to the Lake are also what challenge us in terms of expanding our road network. The GTHA has the highest rate of car ownership in the country. Congestion is a growing problem in and around the city. While elimination of the use of the car is not possible, the goal of the communications program will be to encourage residents to consider making incremental changes to their travel habits. Currently, less than 5 per cent of trips are made using something other than a car. The car is not the only way to travel. The transportation master plan will ensure that Burlington has a reliable, integrated transportation network that allows people to travel safely and in harmony regardless of what method of transportation they chose. Engagement and Communication Objectives The engagement approach will be guided by the IAP2 involvement spectrum which includes the following levels of engagement: inform, consult, involve and collaborate. 1. To build community awareness of the importance of the Transportation Master Plan, what it is; why we are doing it; and how it impacts them?

2 Page 8 of Report TS To deliver an engagement process that is meaningful by creating engagement opportunities to provoke informed community input and provide feedback information on how input was considered and used in the development of the City of Burlington s Transportation Master Plan. 3. To ensure that the interests and voices of cyclists, pedestrians, transit users and motorists are equally represented and recognized throughout the process. 4. Work collaboratively with community partners and key stakeholders throughout the process, by providing regular information updates and involvement opportunities. Key Communications Messages It is the City of Burlington s responsibility to create transportation network that moves people through the city safely, efficiently and in harmony regardless of what method of transportation they use Go Your Way. An integrated active transportation network contributes to the quality of life in our community and creates vibrant neighbourhoods. Eliminating the use of the car completely is impossible. We need to all consider how we can make incremental changes in the way we travel. Can 1 in 5 trips be done without a car? Burlington is a great place to live. However, the things that make it great are also natural barriers that impact the transportation network. You don t need to alter your life, but not making a change may be life altering. By reducing car trips we will have less traffic congestion, a cleaner environment and a more active population. Audiences and Key Stakeholders Burlington residents City departments i.e. Planning and Building, Engineering, Burlington Transit Youth Seniors Citizen advisory committees (Cycling, Accessibility, Sustainable Development, Transit Advisory, Seniors Committees) NGOs Community partner organizations Other levels of government Government agencies (Metrolinx)

3 Page 9 of Report TS-4-14 Public Involvement Technique or Communications tactic Website (Inform, Consult) Purpose/Details Date Results (Touch Points) The website will be used as an online resource for the community and will include links to other resources, background materials and reference documents. The website will be a key component of the project s communication strategy. As the primary information source for the TMP, this site will house content that s accessible and engaging for internal and external audiences. Online consultation (Mindmixer) accessed through the city s website will be used throughout the TMP. February 2013 Present July 2013 September 2013 Main Page: City website 2,313 views MindMixer 277 Participants Media Releases A subscription to webminder will be included on the page as well as an opportunity for people to add their name to an list to receive regular updates. To introduce the community to process and help create awareness. Media releases will be used at various times throughout the process to highlight and promote significant milestones or public involvement opportunities. July 2013 Social Media All media releases will be posted on Facebook and Twitter. Facebook and Twitter will be used to promote public involvement opportunities throughout the process. Dates in 2013 to announce start?? January and Feb XX 2014 PICs Facebook fans Twitter 6710 followers Inspire Speaker Series Walkeable and Liveable Communities by Dan Burden June people

4 Page 10 of Report TS-4-14 Elite s (Through Official Plan Elite list) City Update Section Burlington Post Video Notifications of Public Engagement Opportunities Ads will be placed in the City Update section of the Burlington Post will be used to promote public involvement opportunities. To help launch this project and create community awareness and engagement, a video will be developed about active transportation and will include key messages regarding the TMP. The video will include a call to action for residents to make a change 1 in 5. A media release will be issued to promote the video and will invite residents to share their success stories on the 1 in 5 with the community via Facebook and Twitter. One week prior to each public event Two weeks prior to each public involvement opportunity June 2013 Present addresses 680 views Digital Newsletter Regular communication updates will be sent out to the TMP distribution list of stakeholders. The newsletter will promote engagement opportunities and highlight key study milestones. Notification of Public Open House opportunities 120 addresses Stakeholder and Community Workshops/Meetings (Inform, Involve) An education component will be included at the start of all delivered to ensure that the input received is informed and meaningful. These meetings will also be used to gather input. June 4/5, 2013 Dan Burden sr mgmt; project team June 2013 Stakeholder/Agency 48 participants 10 stakeholder 20 agency Jan/Feb partcipants PIC round # 1 (4 venues) Telephone Town Hall A telephone town hall will be used to reach out to a much September 26, people for

5 Page 11 of Report TS-4-14 broader audience. Through the telephone town hall we are able to not only share key messages/objectives but we are also able to consult through the use of telephone polling. total duration Bus Wrap Street/Sidewalk painting Create awareness throughout the community about the TMP Go Your Way and include a call to action to visit the project page on the city s website. July 2013 Dec 2013 Reach: 92.63% Avg. frequency: 18.5 # Reached: 145,341 Total Exposures: 2,682,990 Create awareness and buss throughout the community Spring 2014 TBD TOTAL Touch Points to date Approx. 13,133 (not including Bus Wrap)