The Local Agenda 21 Planning Guide - Democrats Against UN ...

The Local Agenda 21 Planning Guide
addition, all submissions to Council must include a section that describes how the public has been consulted and the nature of the
participation. Public input is an essential component of the decision-making process. The MEER and Environmental Screening
Checklist are public documents and, as such, the citizens of Ottawa can review these documents prior to approval to ensure all their
concerns have been addressed. Public meetings can be held during the review stage for those projects generating public concern.
Conclusion
The MEEP is making a difference in Ottawa. Being a self-assessment process, it allows both city staff and the private sector to gain
an understanding of the associated impacts development can have on both the biophysical and socioeconomic components of the
environment. The proponent also becomes aware that most negative impacts can be alleviated through mitigation measures or
modifications to the project. As well, the environmental evaluation may highlight positive impacts that can be used as a rationale for
a project to proceed.
MEEP has raised the profile of the environment within the Corporation. City staff now realize that they have to be environmentally
accountable in their actions and decisions. Initially there was resistance to the program from other departments; however, it became
evident that the environment could no longer be ignored. All city projects must integrate environmental considerations into project
planning, development, and implementation by evaluating the impacts of the activity on the environment prior to its approval. The
Environmental Management Branch is now informed and consulted in the development of city projects.
Under MEEP, any federal or provincial environmental assessment conducted in Ottawa must take into consideration all
environmental matters of municipal interest. In many instances, local values are overlooked in upper tier government processes.
MEEP ensures that local community targets and goals are addressed in the environmental assessment. In addition, departments
undertaking environmental assessment studies must consult the Environmental Management Branch throughout the process.
The process has allowed for environment issues to be considered in the approval of city programs and development projects.
However, the environment is only one issue; the economic benefits of a proposal carry considerable weight in the decision-making
process. The environment will only be weighted equally if the public becomes vocal over environmental issues and priorities. The
long-term benefits of protecting the environment are difficult to convey when City Council is only considering the planning horizon
of their elected three-year term. Therefore, public support for environmental programs and initiatives is essential if environmental
targets are to be met.
MEEP is a flexible tool that can be easily incorporated into the local government decision-making process. It provides a means to
monitor activities within a municipality to ensure that the environmental targets are being met. Over time, exposure to MEEP will
lead to a heightened awareness of the environment by all participants. It is hoped that an enhanced and regenerated urban
environment will result.
Contact
Mr. Paul McDonald Coordinator
Environmental Management Branch
Department of Engineering and Works
City of Ottawa, 111 Sussex Drive
7th Floor, Sussex Pavilion
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada KIN 5A1
Tel.: +1 613/564-4417
Fax. +1613/564-4617
CHAPTER 6
Evaluation & Feedback
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