West Elbow Engagement Process
The West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan was developed over a 2-year period with thousands of participants. Between Fall 2023 and Winter 2025, we engaged with students, residents, business owners, community associations, development industry representatives, and a diverse working group and heritage focused working group, that provided in-depth insights and feedback.
Throughout the project:
- Over 3,400 people participated online or in-person.
- Over 6,000 ideas and contributions were collected across all phases.
- 66 engagement sessions were held (including public sessions and targeted engagement sessions).
- 113 days of multi-week, multi-input online engagement opportunities.
The Plan followed the following phased approach:

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Phase 0: DISCOVER
Pre-project research, awareness building, and knowledge transfer.
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Phase 1: ENVISION
Looking back at the past, understanding the present and envisioning the future.
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Phase 2: EXPLORE
Exploring where and how growth and change could happen in the area.
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Phase 3: REFINE
Refining the plan and confirming the investment priorities.
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Phase 4: REALIZE
Committee and Council review and decision.
What We Heard Reports
In our Final Engagement Summary, we have outlined the details of our engagement program and the high-level themes that were common from all three phases of engagement and provided responses for how these were addressed and considered throughout the project.
To review the What We Heard Reports from each phase of the project, click the links below.