I live in a small town in the smallest province in Canada. Thus I live in jurisdictions with the benefit of small numbers when it comes to local governance. To me this means that when I speak up my voice is more likely to be heard and sometimes even listened to. I have found this to be true of my home town-- the Town of Stratford, PEI. Town officials here welcome the input of their citizens and encourage us all to help make our town a better place to live.
To me, making our town a better place to live means ensuring that there is improved stewardship of the local environment thereby improving outcomes for biodiversity, habitat protection, storm water management and mitigation of invasive species. Bettering these environmental outcomes combined with more sustainable energy creation and usage as well as improved transportation options such as investing in e-buses instead of diesel will inevitably improve our climate change outcomes.
Each year Stratford does a survey of its residents in order to plan how to better govern for the coming year. The survey is available for all residents to fill out either in paper format or online and highlights many areas of concern which residents have brought to the attention of town officials.
And because to me, trees are citizens too, I was happy to see that this year there are questions directly related to the effect the recent (rapid) rate of development has on trees in our town. This highlights recognition of the urgent need for better protection of trees. Of course, I wish that the rate of development had not been permitted to occur until many more such environmental protections were in place but all anyone can do is be persistent in their commenting and in time hope that positive changes such as these will come. (And not all too little too late.)
I also noted one question which I thought could have used improvement. It asks citizens:
"How important it is for the Town of Stratford to use resources to protect the environment?"
This question is vague and lacking in any real directive. It made me wonder what the town was hoping to gather through the responses.
The answer options include in this order:
not at all important
not very important
somewhat important
very important
don't know/no answer
Pulled directly from an email reminder to fill out the survey by March first, here are some areas of interest in this years survey which the town chose to highlight in hopes to further engage its citizens to participate in the survey:
"T3 Transit for Stratford The Town is looking at potential expansion of the T3 Transit service and it’s important to hear from residents before decisions are made. Health and Wellness/Active Transportation We want to hear from residents about their experience with, and challenges to, using active transportation. Active transportation is defined as any human-powered mode of transportation like biking, walking, non-motorized wheelchair, etc. Home Energy Use and Environmental Protection Do you use alternative energy sources in your home? Do you participate in citizen science activities outdoors? Let us know your thoughts on these and other environmental protection activities.
Urban Forest Tree Protection Trees benefit us in so many ways, by adding valuable green spaces, providing habitat for wildlife, reducing rain runoff, and removing polution from the air. The Town is considering certain measures to protect trees within its boundaries and we want to hear from you! (Click here for more information) Safety in your Community We want to know if residents feel safe. You can provide feedback on your experience with crime rates and interaction with law enforcement in this year's survey.
Please complete the 2020 Annual Resident Survey today and encourage your fellow residents to do their part, too!" Town of Stratford
It is worth noting that when you do engage in discussing with town officials how you would like to see your community run it is more likely that you will see your ideas come to fruition.
Sometimes change is slow in coming but having the courage to be a persistent voice for positive change is its own reward!
And since acting locally is always a good place to start, why not engage with your local governing body to help make your little neck of the woods a better place for all its inhabitants?
In community,
Jill MacCormack
concerned citizen,
Town of Stratford, PEI
"PS: Check your mailbox for a paper copy of the survey if you prefer pen and paper (a postage paid return envelope is included). You can also pick one up at the Stratford Town Centre located at 234 Shakespeare Drive or at the Stratford Library." Town of Stratford
Just wanted to add that the Stratford survey deadline has been extended to March 15th, 2020. Cheers!