The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Canada is an association of professionals in the field of public participation who seek to promote and improve the practice in relation to individuals, governments, institutions and other entities that affect the public interest in Canada and around the world.

IAP2 Canada's mission is to advance effective public participation practices and support practitioners. Their mission is to ensure Canadians are meaningfully engaged in decisions that affect them by way of purposeful public participation.

For example, imagine the Township is considering building a new park. As part of the planning process, the Township would seek input from people who may use or be affected by the park, such as residents, parents, and local businesses, to better understand their needs, concerns and ideas. This type of involvement is known as public participation.

Community Engagement is the practice of working with our community in meaningful and inclusive ways to shape important Township decisions, actions or change.

To help guide our approach, the Township uses the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation. The Spectrum recognizes that not every project - or every part of a project - requires the same depth or level of engagement.

*Content depicted in this chart is taken directly from the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation | IAP2 International Federation 2018. All rights reserved. 20181112_v1