Lake Country: Simply Dazzling

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. . . The District of Lake Country has recently won a national public engagement award for improving the development notification signage in the community.

Inspired by a 2010 TED Talk by Toronto based social entrepreneur Dave Meslin, the Dazzling Notice Awards program was created to recognize excellence in government outreach. The award panel notes that “citizen engagement is an important part of inclusive decision making. Residents can offer a local perspective, a diversity of circumstantial experience and creative solutions. While the final decision for any project or policy belongs to City Council, the consultation process can greatly improve the outcome.”

Motivated to enrich the conversation with Lake Country citizens about community development, “we empowered two of our team members, Jocelyn Ratzlaff and AJ Taylor to create something impactful,” explains the District’s Director of Community Services, Mark Koch. The award selection committee noticed these efforts, along with acknowledging the work of fellow award recipients, Brampton, Oakville and Toronto.

The Dazzling Notice Awards recognizes municipalities who’ve made a substantial effort to inform the public about opportunities for participation. In line with these goals, Lake Country Mayor, James Baker notes that “before our residents are able to engage, they must be informed – making these efforts to connect with our citizens especially important.” The bright, new, easy to read and understand signs will be phased in as inventory of the old sign runs out.