EDMONTON
BOYLE ST./McCAULEY COMMUNITIES

The desire for action-oriented, citizen control of community redevelopment is what prompted inner city residents in Edmonton, Alberta, to wrest control of urban planning from the exclusive jurisdiction of municipal authorities in the early 90's. Thus was born a community-based planning committee and later, the Boyle-McCauley Community Planning Office.

Organizers have called it "an ambitious attempt at social change", which has included broad neighbourhood beautification, constructive partnerships with police for crime control and safety, bold confrontations with slum landlords and concerted efforts to increase the community participation of ethnic residents and immigrants.

The efforts developed out of a belief that citizens need to shape and mould policy which concerns them in their daily lives. Mere public consultation, however well intentioned, no longer suffices. In the words of one community planning and development officer: "I am proud to be part of a newly emergent, demystified, democratic planning process."

In early 1995, the Boyle-McCauley community planning effort won the first place Eric W. Thrift Award for Excellence in Urban Planning from the Canadian Institute of Planners. The comprehensive, community-driven scope of the program, as well as the practical implementation elements of the activity, were cited as the winning components.

Boyle McCauley Health Centre
10628-96 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 2J2