Community Advisory Boards

Client: Northern Gateways Pipeline Project

Synopsis

From 2002 to 2015, Communica worked alongside the Northern Gateway public consultation team and provided strategic counsel on the public engagement and regulatory processes.

An important aspect of the Northern Gateway public engagement program is the Community Advisory Board (CABs) process. Established in 2009, the CABs provide an opportunity for participants to:

Gather, receive and process information to arrive at a common body of knowledge
Identify and discuss key areas of regional interest or concern
Recommend improvements or enhancements to Northern Gateway
Educate the general public

CABs have been designed to be inclusive of diverse community interests across Northern British Columbia and Northern Alberta. They include representatives from environment groups, Aboriginal groups, business associations, municipal governments, community organizations, and the public.

OUR ROLE

Communica was involved in the planning, implementation and ongoing management of the CABs from 2009 to 2014. Communica provided guidance by:

Working with CAB participants to develop a CAB Terms of Reference and Operational Guidelines

Coordinating the involvement of 175 CAB members across 5 different regional groups

Planning and executing 115 separate CAB meetings, including all logistics, registration, and co-facilitation

Incorporating stakeholder requests into meeting agendas

Planning and coordinating 4 multi-day all CAB member conferences

Developing a CAB communications plan

OUTCOMES

Feedback from the CAB process has made Northern Gateway a better project. Changes from CAB members participation include modifications to the route, river course crossings and pump station locations. The CABs continue to be a key engagement tool for the Northern Gateway team and will continue throughout the lifecycle of the project.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK

At the 2014 CAB Conference participants were asked to provide their overall impression of the event; all respondents identified the event as either great or exceptional. When asked to provide further feedback, comments included “as always informative, helpful and of exceptional quality,” and “a company listening, hearing and incorporating resolutions to stakeholder concerns!”

“I had the opportunity to see Communica in action through NCLGA, UBCM, and Northern Gateway’s Community Advisory Boards. They inform a variety of stakeholders; they know that doing it right the first time is essential. Their attention to detail and prompt response always ensured a great event. “

– Mayor Lori Ackerman, City of Fort St John

SUPPORTING PILLARS

Stakeholder Engagement

Indigenous Engagement

Communication

Stakeholder Information Management

AFFILIATED TEAM MEMBERS

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