Introduction

Community social planning refers to the vision and work that a community undertakes to ensure that the needs of all its citizens are met in healthy, inclusive, and timely ways.  All sectors of the community participate in the process of social planning, whether formally or informally.  These sectors include arts and culture, economic, social, health, environment, education, public safety, and local government.

The Castlegar Social Planning Council (CSPC) formed in 1999 and meets regularly (3 times per year) to discuss community and citizen needs.  Discussions happen in a democratic manner, and all efforts at working to identify and solve community issues are collaborative with a common vision and shared values.

CSPC currently has five sub-committees (link to current involvements and initiatives) that meet separately and report back to the Council on their efforts at working with the issues they are most passionate about.  With so many sub-committees, the larger Council recently decided to meet on a quarterly basis (link to meeting info on ABOUT page) in order to allow the committees more time for their concerted efforts.

Rona Park, Executive Director of Castlegar & District Community Services, stepped down as Chair of the CSPC in June 2007.  Rona worked steadfastly since 2001 providing leadership to the Council and helping it get to where it is today.  Her passion for community and her knowledge of the great benefits of community social planning have served Castlegar well.  With her help we have grown to a membership of over 40 organizations and individuals (link to CSPC members listing).  Although Rona has stepped down as Chair, she assures us she will remain on the Council for which we are all very grateful.

In June 2007 Sandi McCreight and Susan Olheiser were nominated and accepted the Co-Chair positions of the CSPC.  As Co-Chairs it will be their responsibility to arrange meetings and agendas and serve as contacts for media or organization enquiries.  The work of community social planning for Castlegar and area will continue to be done by the Council as a whole.

With such broad sectoral representation and strong networking ability, the Council is well-equipped to find appropriate, workable solutions for community issues.  Community needs can be identified, explored and met in a more timely fashion than without this sort of community collaboration

This website is just one small aspect of the many workable solutions to community issues the CSPC has worked on current and past initiatives.  Our hope is that the website will further expand our community’s ability to understand the value of community social planning and to link local citizens, businesses, and organizations through effective communication, networking, and dialogue.