Sudbury Planning Council aims to create 'culture of participation'

The Social Planning Council of Sudbury is looking for what they're calling "cool ideas" from people who want to make their city a better place in which to live.

The council is hosting a workshop and a fair to celebrate those ideas and to launch what executive director Janet Gasparini calls “social enterprise.”

Gasparini said there are examples of social enterprise all around us.

“The School of Architecture came out of a small community committee that decided they wanted to do something,” she said.

“We are seeing all kinds of examples of public art.  And all of those things start with a few people who have a good idea and want to make it happen.”

The fair will also include a special presentation by Dave Meslin, an urban planner from Toronto who has proposed ideas to make city hall more responsive to residents.

Gasparini said Meslin will be there to help people see how their ideas do matter and can make a difference.

She said people may take that step forward if they “feel they have an easier pathway.  I think lots of people get a good idea and think, ‘ooh, I could never make that work, who will ever listen to me?’”

The event, called "Creating a Culture of Participation," takes place on Oct. 15 at the Holiday Inn, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information go to spcsudbury.ca