Property Services

Phase 1 - Information Gathering and Consultations

Consultation with stakeholders is identified as a key component of this project, and an effective consultation process was seen as critical to the success of the project.

Stakeholder input has helped Manitoba develop a Property Service Fees (PSF) system which reflects to the best extent possible the issues, needs, desires and realities of the people who provide the services and the people who use and pay for the services.

The design of the consultation program was driven by the objectives, framework and goals of the overall project. Several different consultation activities have been undertaken in stages. Consultation methodologies were chosen to provide an understanding of the big picture, gather data and information to assist in the development of the improved PSF system and to give information to stakeholders and solicit feedback.

Key stakeholders

• Internal stakeholders (e.g. government staff - Parks and Natural Areas Branch, Regional Operations and Corporate Services)
• External stakeholders, including cottagers, commercial operators and special consideration organizations (SCOs); appointed Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC); and the general public

Consultation Activities

The main consultation activities were meetings which took place with the Park Districts Service Fees Steering Committee (PDSF-SC), Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC), internal and external stakeholders. Other consultation activities include letters, web site updates and Open Houses. In addition, you can contact us to provide comments at any time.

Purpose of Consultation Activities

Activities allowed all stakeholders the chance to raise issues and provide information that they view as important, and whose significance and relevance may not have been previously understood. Consultation ensured a fair and transparent process, with a focus on the main objectives of the project. It also allowed a balance to all aspects of the project, for example among the various stakeholders. Consultation assisted in developing a business model report for a PSF system that balances the generic needs of the whole system and the specific needs of different districts and parks.

Consultation Schedule

Meetings with internal stakeholders took place at various locations around the province in January 2007. Facilitated meetings, by invitation, occurred in February 2007 with external stakeholders. These meetings, undertaken with representatives of existing cottage and business organizations, were mainly for the purpose of gathering data.

Public Open Houses

In April 2007, Open Houses were held in ten locations across Manitoba. At the time of the Open Houses, additional meetings were also held with internal and external stakeholders. The Open Houses provided an opportunity for all interested Manitobans to participate. The Open House Storyboards are posted on this web site.

Consultation Summary – Phase 1

The Open Houses, together with the additional meetings internal and external stakeholder groups held in April 2007, were the final planned consultation events of Phase 1.  Information gathering and formal stakeholder consultation activities are now completed.

The consultation activities throughout Phase 1 have attracted strong participation and generated a large volume of input regarding the PSF system, as well as other topics, from a diverse group of stakeholders.  This input, gathered through meetings, open houses, written submissions and telephone messages is an important part of the new PSF model.  The thoughts, perceptions, opinions and information gathered from users are important considerations in designing the new system.

Consultation Feedback

Manitoba Conservation would like to thank the many individuals and groups who have expressed interest in the project thus far and provided their input through attending a meeting, open house or providing a written submission.  Your input to this project is valuable and we encourage you to continue to visit this web site and remain apprised of progress on the project as it proceeds. You can contact us through the website to provide comments at any time.