Each project undergoing an environmental assessment has its own unique set of circumstances. Thus the approach to public participation suitable for one situation may not be suitable for another. When developing solutions for environmentally sensitive projects, the degree of public participation can vary widely. At one extreme there is little or no public participation. In this situation the proponent determines the "best" solution to a problem and submits this solution for an environmental assessment (command approach). At the other extreme, the proponent works with the public to develop a mutually acceptable solution, in effect it is joint decision making (consensus approach). This paper examines: 1) the options paper examines: 1) the options along the spectrum, 2) the situational variables which influence the selection of a particular approach to public participation, and 3) the implications different levels of participation have for a proponent. It also presents a mapping chart to help determine the level of participation appropriate for any given set of variables. References are made to two projects: 1) the proposal by Transport Canada to construct additional runways at Lester B. Pearson International Airport and 2) the activities of the Siting Task force established by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to examine locations for storing low level radioactive waste. (A)
Abstract