The proposal to build a large events centre to support economic development and downtown/harbour revitalization was a big idea that needed to be introduced and thoroughly explained to the city’s residents before they could vote on whether to fund it. To help educate the public so they could make an informed decision on referendum day,…
An aging forcemain is posing an environmental risk and needs to be rerouted. The proposed solution though – a pump station in a residential rural neighbourhood – is highly unpopular. To help re-connect with the community and enable constructive dialogue, ZINC was asked to develop and implement a communications strategy. This included consistent and open…
After many years of planning, it was exciting for many to have the Quathiaski Cove (Quadra Island) Sewer Extension project finally begin in spring 2017. Keeping area residents informed about the disruptive construction, and keeping property owners in the service area up to date on what it would mean for them, meant proactive communication would…
When the Village of Cumberland undertook two major capital road construction projects, one of the main goals was to minimize inconveniences by preparing residents, project neighbours, downtown businesses and visitors for disruptions in advance. To keep the public informed about the two projects—which would benefit the Village by providing new, reliable underground utilities for the…
This $13.5 million project involved tearing up a main coastal highway to replace underground infrastructure and adding wider sidewalks, solar crosswalks, benches, bus shelters, landscaping, and new lighting. Work took place on traditional lands that had been used for fishing and feasting by local First Nations and construction meant the road would be closed during…
Do you want to hook up? It’s a simple question but one that needs to be asked before a major sewer system gets underway. ZINC spoke with residents, businesses, developers, and out-of-town property owners to find out their views on the possible extension of water and sewer service in their area. The goal? Find out…
It’s been clear for years that the Village of Cumberland needs to upgrade its wastewater treatment system, but when the time came to pay for the work, the public had to decide whether it would approve borrowing to fund these improvements. To help get the word out about the current condition of treatment, and why…
How do you prepare technical staff for their role in the media spotlight? We’ve been doing this over the past seven years, as media trainers for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans with the Government of Canada. We help scientists, biologists, captains, conservation officers, spill response experts, engineers, first responders,…
A new agreement with provincial body Recycle BC meant residents in the Town of Comox would be able to include more items in their recycling blue box – but would also need to learn more about what shouldn’t be in there. ZINC’s task was to help the Town share the news about these important changes….
The Local Government Management Association of BC (LGMA) was looking ahead to it’s 100th anniversary. In anticipation, it wanted to revitalize awareness about its work, with both members and non-members. ZINC developed an engagement plan that included strategies to improve communication between this non-profit organization and its partners, funders and members. We then supported the…
It’s great news when a community learns that a new $334 million hospital will be built in its city. It’s also the start of many questions: when will construction start, what facilities are planned, will there be parking, will there be noise? ZINC worked with the City of Courtenay to create a monthly “Hospital Update”…
The downtown core of Campbell River needed a facelift – and while area residents knew there was a need for upgrades, they weren’t prepared for the year of disruptive underground infrastructure work that would literally lay the groundwork for an improved downtown. To keep the public informed of the pipes and utilities work to be…
