Public participation in decision-making: A case study of National Capital Commission to integrate public participation into Gatineau Park Master Plan.

Abstract

The concept of "Public Participation" indicates that it is always important to involve the public who would be affected by a decision in its planning process. While participating citizens often see these programmes as contributing to increased influence in government policy-making, members of the sponsoring agencies are more likely to see them as a means to improve agency effectiveness. It is assumed that if individuals or group of individuals believe they have a say in a fair and open process of policy development then they will be willing to accept the outcome of that process, even if it is not their preferred outcome. However most decision-makers are of the view that they really know what the public wants and can conveniently take decisions for them. This study examines the maiden attempt by the National Capital Commission (NCC) to involve the public in its planning process and this was when it decided to prepare a master plan for Gatineau Park. The consultation process was held in 1976 with the presentation of a Conceptual Plan for the public to provide an alternative. The Master Plan came out in 1980. The entire consultation process as conducted by the National Capital Commission has been reviewed by this study and findings made. It was found out that effective public participation should take the needs and aspirations of the public into consideration and they must also be part of the planning process of that particular decision.