Dear Editor,
According to new provincial legislation, public hearings will no longer be required before Coquitlam council approves development projects that fit within the parameters of the city’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
Coquitlam’s mayor and council have responded predictably with righteous indignation. They are dismayed that the province would dare stand in the way of public engagement.
These sentiments, while noble, are not compatible with my experience.
After participating in dozens of public hearings over the years, my view is that these forums are more symbolic than impactful when it comes to decisions facing our local leaders.
Coquitlam council routinely gives unanimous approval to applications in the face of strong opposition from residents and stakeholders.
In instances where pushback has been too pronounced, making the optics of approval prohibitive, council has pushed their approval to a separate private meeting.
These dynamics have transformed the public hearing in Coquitlam from an empowering experience to a demoralizing one.
I believe they lead to public apathy toward the important decision-making process at city hall as evidenced by low community engagement and voter turnouts.
When viewed under this framework, Coquitlam council’s comments in support of public engagement ring hollow.
I do not despair over the loss of public hearings. Their impact has long been overstated.
Instead, I view the new provincial legislation as an opportunity for our local leaders to create a new consultation process that genuinely engages Coquitlam stakeholders. I’d be the first to volunteer to contribute to the formation of such a plan.
-Ben Craig, Coquitlam
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