Community

Accessibility Study    

The Canadian Paraplegic Association conducted an accessibility study for the Town of Devon. Council discussed the report at the September 24, 2012 council meeting. Administration was directed to provide an implementation plan and a reporting mechanism.

The Town of Devon is looking forward to becoming a more accessible community. To read the full report, please follow this link.

View Report

Communications Plan    

This plan focuses on building relationships with main target groups through sustainable and timely communication. It emphasizes the municipality’s commitment to open, two-way dialogue, listening to the community and all staff working collaboratively to engage citizens. The Communications Plan directly reflects Council’s vision and mission and will be revised annually to ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.

Please follow this link to download a copy of Devon's Communication Plan

The guiding principles, objectives and actions contained in this plan were developed through input from:
 

• The 2013 - 2014 Communication Audit that included focus groups with external stakeholders, a random telephone survey of 200 Devon residents, an online survey of all staff, and 10 in-depth interviews with the Mayor, members of Council,  and members of Administration.
• Staff workshops designed to build a shared understanding of the audit results and prioritize outcomes/goals.
• Council planning sessions designed to clarify council's vision, mission, strategic priorities, and communication expectations and needs. 

The result is a Communication Plan that integrates feedback from the community, council and staff.  It establishes the foundation for an organizational culture that is committed to listening and responding to citizens and an organization where staff are knowledgeable, accountable, aware of their responsibilities and supported in their roles. 

Community Engagement Framework    

Effective community engagement is becoming an integral component in how local governments conduct their affairs and it is now seen as a cornerstone of good governance. It serves both the municipality and community members to have policies, programs and services that reflect the expressed needs of the public. Undoubtedly, the work of the municipality is more acceptable to citizens if community engagement processes have been part of the overall decision making process.

Community engagement can provide insight and enhance knowledge, skills and resources, thus building the capacities of both community members and the local government to meet more complex challenges of the future.

The Town of Devon’s Community Engagement Framework contains theoretical, conceptual, and practical (how to) components intended to inform community engagement processes to be undertaken between the municipality and the community at large. 

View or download a copy of Devon's Community Engagement Framework.