Full Resource - City of Edmonton

Student Resource
Considering Options
Every citizen of the city has the right to participate in its governance. This means that people
can voice their opinion about bylaws or community standards to the representatives of their local
government. They can ask for changes or express their support of a bylaw.
Everyone also has the right to make a complaint if they think the safety, health and enjoyment of their
community is at risk because a bylaw is being ignored. This bylaw protects the common good of the
whole community.
However, contacting an elected representative or making complaints are not the only options. Many
citizens choose to get involved with their neighbours and with community programs or events to
make a difference and improve the quality of life for everyone in the city.
The chart below provides five options for action that can be effective in dealing with problems,
concerns and issues in the city. Are there other options you can think of
Review each action. Then, use the second column to describe when you think each action would be
most effective. Explain why.
Action
Work with neighbours to find
a compromise that improves
the problem.
When I think this action works best
Organize a community
event or participate in a City
program to help improve the
problem.
Decide to do something
about the problem yourself.
Ask for enforcement action
from the City because this
problem causes an immediate
public safety concern.
Make a citizen’s request for
help from the Mayor or a
City Councillor as this is a big
issue that needs a community
strategy to solve.
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