Eleventh International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Calgary has a long history of civic engagement which is a critical element of urban development and planning. Understanding various perspectives of people who live and work in the built environment can help inform future design practices. Civic Camp Calgary was a public advocacy group started in 2009 by several community members interested in engaging citizens with concerns and desires in Calgary’s development. Major Civic Camp proponents include city of Calgary Mayor Nahid Nenshi, the current Dean of Haskayne School of Business, Jim Dewald, Sustainable Calgary founder Noel Keough, and many more. The group began with discussing the city of Calgary’s Plan It initiatives which mapped out long term growth and development for Calgary. Civic Camp wanted to ensure Plan It involved the community and aimed to reduce ongoing sprawl and automobile dependence in Calgary, and they were successful with engaging citizens in providing feedback to council. The group held an event known as an “unconference” where anyone can provide their feedback on different topics around the built environment. This research aims to document the Civic Camp Calgary movement through a series of recorded interviews with the proponents to understand and learn from the experience. Understanding the recent past approaches will improve future co-create endeavors. Civic discourse is a key component to shaping the built environment and this research will help inform how we can adapt future processes and approaches in Calgary.