Why We Engage

Consultation has concluded

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council identified the need for open and transparent government and the necessity to ensure meaningful public involvement that respects the contribution of our residents and businesses as a strategic priority. Effective community engagement not only provides Council with an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the people of Chatham-Kent, but provides for sound investment in better decision making by ensuring decisions are informed of community needs and aspirations. We take great care in listening to our community to determine the necessary changes and improvements to make our great Municipality, even better.


What Community Engagement Means

No one knows better what is needed for our community than those of us who live here, work here, and play here. The purpose of community engagement is together perspectives for decision makers, not to make decisions. It means that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent talks to our communities before making decisions. It means that if you have concerns or ideas about improving the equality of life and services in Chatham-Kent, we want to talk to you about them.


What Community Engagement Does Not Mean

What community engagement does not mean is that everyone will always agree on decisions that are made within the Municipality. Chatham-Kent is made up of a diverse population with very different interests and approaches to what Chatham-Kent is and how to improve it. What we will do, is listen to all of those different opinions and incorporate them into the decision-making process, in a fair and balanced way.


Benefits of Community Engagement

Community Engagement provides a valuable link between Council, Municipal staff and the community. It offers a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • Improving Council’s decision-making process by taking into account a greater range of perspectives, experience, and knowledge
  • Ensuring that diverse voices have a place at the table
  • Creating a shared purpose
  • Encouraging greater community participation
  • Creating a better connected, and informed community
  • Reducing the level of misconception or misinformation
  • Identifying and addressing potential and existing concerns
  • Empowering participants to take ownership of programs and initiatives
  • Ensuring commitment and greater ownership of the final decision by the community

Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council identified the need for open and transparent government and the necessity to ensure meaningful public involvement that respects the contribution of our residents and businesses as a strategic priority. Effective community engagement not only provides Council with an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the people of Chatham-Kent, but provides for sound investment in better decision making by ensuring decisions are informed of community needs and aspirations. We take great care in listening to our community to determine the necessary changes and improvements to make our great Municipality, even better.


What Community Engagement Means

No one knows better what is needed for our community than those of us who live here, work here, and play here. The purpose of community engagement is together perspectives for decision makers, not to make decisions. It means that the Municipality of Chatham-Kent talks to our communities before making decisions. It means that if you have concerns or ideas about improving the equality of life and services in Chatham-Kent, we want to talk to you about them.


What Community Engagement Does Not Mean

What community engagement does not mean is that everyone will always agree on decisions that are made within the Municipality. Chatham-Kent is made up of a diverse population with very different interests and approaches to what Chatham-Kent is and how to improve it. What we will do, is listen to all of those different opinions and incorporate them into the decision-making process, in a fair and balanced way.


Benefits of Community Engagement

Community Engagement provides a valuable link between Council, Municipal staff and the community. It offers a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • Improving Council’s decision-making process by taking into account a greater range of perspectives, experience, and knowledge
  • Ensuring that diverse voices have a place at the table
  • Creating a shared purpose
  • Encouraging greater community participation
  • Creating a better connected, and informed community
  • Reducing the level of misconception or misinformation
  • Identifying and addressing potential and existing concerns
  • Empowering participants to take ownership of programs and initiatives
  • Ensuring commitment and greater ownership of the final decision by the community