In this blog, we introduce Context Academy, the innovative training arm of Context Group, dedicated to empowering community development professionals to revolutionize municipal customer service. Highlighting the CS1001 course, it equips Canadian local governments with strategies to enhance service delivery while balancing regulatory responsibilities. We share ten actionable tips for improvement and outline the five pillars of service excellence: Integrity and Trust, Efficient Service Delivery, Employee Empowerment and Engagement, Accessibility and Responsiveness, and Continuous Improvement and Measurement. Emphasizing the critical role of local government customer service in fostering community trust and satisfaction, we can draw inspiration from companies like Mr. Lube, showcasing the potential for cross-sector learning. Readers are invited to join in transforming municipal services into beacons of excellence.

Navigating British Columbia's housing crisis just got more complex for local governments. New provincial mandates have overhauled the Housing Needs Report requirements, introducing tight deadlines and a standardized methodology that will reshape community planning. This blog post unpacks these critical changes, outlining what municipalities and regional districts need to know to comply and thrive. From interim reports due in 2025 to the long-term implications for official community plans, we break down the timeline, content requirements, and potential challenges. Discover how these new reports could be the key to unlocking housing solutions in your community and learn how expert assistance can turn this mandate into an opportunity for transformative urban development.

Updating an Official Community Plan (OCP) is crucial for aligning a community's vision with current needs and statutory requirements. Recent legislative changes, such as Bills 44, 46, and 47, necessitate proactive updates to facilitate small-scale multi-unit housing, implement new development cost charges, and designate transit-oriented development areas. Effective community engagement and accurate reflection of housing needs are essential. Incorporating environmental and social policies and streamlining the approval process further enhance the plan. Partnering with experts ensures compliance and a comprehensive, forward-looking OCP. Reach out to our team for guidance in navigating these updates and building a sustainable community.

Crane Swing Agreements are more than just cranes moving through the sky – they're crucial for building housing in dense areas and navigating the complexities of urban development. In a world where space is limited and every inch counts, these agreements serve as a bridge between vision and reality, unlocking the potential of urban spaces. Engaging with neighbors is essential, as it fosters collaboration and ensures that communities are inclusive and vibrant. Without a Crane Swing Agreement, it's harder to develop the housing we need, especially in densely urban areas. These agreements allow developers to maximize their sites' potential and create much-needed housing in city centers. Ultimately, they play a vital role in shaping our urban landscapes and building the inclusive, equitable cities of tomorrow.

Community branding is a strategic endeavor that embodies a locale's identity, values, and aspirations, serving as a catalyst for economic development, social cohesion, and sustainable growth. This holistic approach transcends traditional marketing tactics, providing communities with a framework to articulate their unique attributes and attract investment, talent, and visitors. Illustrated by real-world examples from British Columbia, including Squamish's outdoor adventure focus, Merritt's designation as the "Country Music Capital of Canada," and Lake Country's celebration of the Okanagan lifestyle, community branding showcases the power of narrative and identity in shaping prosperous and resilient communities. Through cohesive branding initiatives, communities can foster pride, unity, and prosperity, paving the way for a vibrant and sustainable future.

Embarking on a journey to redefine urban living in Canada, this succinct guide explores the transformative potential of third spaces. Rooted in Ray Oldenburg's vision and inspired by real Canadian examples, the blog offers a roadmap for planners, local governments, and developers. From mixed-use developments in Toronto to the inclusive design of Calgary's Beltline, discover how these spaces foster economic growth, celebrate diversity, and create a sense of community. This blueprint illuminates the path to a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant urban future, where every corner becomes a thriving hub for shared experiences and meaningful connections.

The blog explores the concept of Blue Zones, regions around the world renowned for their exceptional longevity and well-being. It delves into the lessons that Canadian cities can learn from these Blue Zones to enhance the quality of life for their residents. The key takeaways include promoting active transportation, healthy eating, strong social networks, work-life balance, accessible healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The benefits of adopting Blue Zone principles in Canadian cities are also highlighted, such as increased life expectancy and lower healthcare costs. The transformation to a Blue Zone is not just about urban planning; it's about fostering a way of life that promotes happiness, health, and longevity.

This blog unravels the complexities of Development Cost Charges (DCCs) in British Columbia, explaining how they fund essential infrastructure for new developments. DCCs are calculated based on the development's impact and collected at the permit stage. Despite challenges to housing affordability, well-balanced DCC programs can encourage responsible growth and sustainable communities. The DCC Bylaw approval process involves public engagement and provincial review, ensuring transparency and compliance. While not without their challenges, DCCs can be important tools for supporting urban development while considering the infrastructure needs of local communities.

In this blog, we explore the complexities of delivering exceptional customer service in the local government sector. We discuss the dual role of local governments as regulators and public service providers and provide practical tips to embrace customer service in this unique context. Drawing from examples in British Columbia, such as the City of Vancouver's 3-1-1 Contact Centre and the City of Surrey's data-driven transportation optimization, we highlight the power of customer-focused approaches. We emphasize the importance of being customer or taxpayer focused, as it fosters accountability, citizen satisfaction, and economic development. Ultimately, by prioritizing customer service and sharing best practices, local governments can redefine public service and create prosperous communities that prioritize the needs and satisfaction of their constituents.

In this blog post, we explore the world of development permits in British Columbia. Unveiling the legislative authority behind these permits, we clarify their different types and debunk common misconceptions. We also shed light on the limitations on public input, emphasizing the importance of a transparent and efficient process. From statutory requirements and project complexity to planning stage considerations and resource constraints, we navigate the dynamics of public engagement in the development permit process. To conclude, we provide practical tips for a successful application, empowering stakeholders to shape vibrant communities that align with their long-term vision.

Discover how meaningful public engagement contributes towards the success of real estate development and public community initiatives. In our latest blog post, we dive deep into the significance of meaningful engagement, expose some of the pitfalls of current approaches, and highlight the immense benefits of a well-designed process. As professionals, we need to explore more innovative public engagement methods that will get everyone involved, including children and underrepresented people, in exciting and new ways. It's time to revolutionize community participation, foster trust, and shape a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for our communities.

The subdivision approvals process in British Columbia is regulated by the Land Title Act and the Local Government Act and involves various types of subdivisions, including strata, bare land, and phased subdivisions. The subdivision process includes stages such as pre-application, application, review and referral, approval, and registration. The Approving Officer is responsible for administering the subdivision process and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, while the land surveyor prepares the subdivision plan and ensures compliance with subdivision regulations and standards. The subdivision approvals process is critical for ensuring that new developments comply with regulations and standards in British Columbia.

The British Columbia government has launched the Housing Accelerator Fund to provide financial support for building affordable housing units throughout the province. The fund encourages collaboration between public and private sectors, as the government recognizes the need for the help of developers to create affordable housing solutions. The fund offers incentives and subsidies to developers, as well as access to low-cost financing to make building more affordable. Local governments can also benefit from this fund by using it to build affordable housing units, which can be rented out to people who cannot afford to purchase their own homes. However, challenges like a shortage of skilled labor still need to be addressed. The Housing Accelerator Fund presents a unique opportunity for public-private partnerships to create socially responsible projects that can also be profitable.

The blog post suggests that municipal councils should shift their focus from onboarding to action after six months since the most recent election. It recommends six key questions for councils to evaluate their performance and progress, including establishing a clear vision, effective communication and engagement with the community, fulfilling election promises, maintaining transparency and accountability, implementing new initiatives, and establishing effective relationships with other levels of government and stakeholders. The post emphasizes the importance of the public's role in holding their elected officials accountable and ensuring they meet expectations, and the need for councils to make a mindful shift to being an action-focused body to provide better service to their communities.

The blog post discusses Good Neighbour Bylaws in British Columbia, which are used by municipalities to regulate community behavior. The post covers the legislative authority that allows municipalities to create these bylaws and highlights some of the challenges they face, including balancing community interests with individual rights. It outlines key features of successful bylaws, the areas they typically regulate, and emphasizes their role in setting community standards rather than punishment

This blog post emphasizes the importance of establishing a community vision as a critical step in urban planning. Involving the community from the beginning is essential in identifying key issues and priorities, and to build ownership in the vision. It is essential to focus on long-term goals, align with regional and national objectives, be inclusive, and focus on sustainability when establishing a community vision . By following these tips, urban planners can create a more equitable, just, and sustainable urban environment that meets the needs and desires of the community.

This blog post discusses the challenge of developing new affordable housing in Canada due to resistance from NIMBY activists who fear negative impacts from increased density. The YIMBY movement is presented as an approach to counteract this resistance and promote the benefits of increased density while also recognizing the concerns of NIMBY activists and addressing them through careful planning and design. The importance of prioritizing community sustainability and involving community members in the planning process is emphasized to create more sustainable and equitable communities.

City planners in Canada can help address the housing crisis by embracing density, which can increase the supply of affordable housing options, create more walkable and sustainable communities, and reduce dependence on cars; the province of British Columbia is leading the way with policies that encourage infill housing and the development of mixed-use neighborhoods, and individuals can also support these initiatives and advocate for change.