Who we are:

Connector is the strategy and engagement practice of the Canadian Urban Institute. We design and implement open and transparent deliberative decision making processes that people trust.

Connector works with leading organizations to build engagement and decision- support processes for key decision-makers. Our clients are typically public sector corporations, orders of government and NGOs that know good decisions are based on high quality information.

We believe decisions are improved by understanding the perspectives, priorities and needs of the people affected by those decisions. People who effectively participate in informing decisions become knowledgeable supporters of those decisions in the longer run.

Approach

Connector works as a third party that connects leaders to their network of constituents and stakeholders. We work with stakeholders to create the relationships and the space where different perspectives are explored, options and consequences are identified, and issues are resolved to arrive at defensible decisions and move things forward. The techniques we use and the relationships we build are left behind as strengthened capacity for ongoing collaboration and effective decision-making.

Objectives

We strive to engage people in the development of their community beyond the ballot box to ensure that communities, residents and citizens can participate in the decisions that affect the quality of their daily lives and the places where they live.

We strive to realize and advance the qualities of citizenship and civil society in urban regions as people face increasingly complex economies, societies and governments.

Programs & Services:

Cultural Planning
Engagement & Decision Support

Past Projects

Click the links below for descriptions of our past projects:

Municipal Cultural Planning Indicators and Performance Measures Guidebook
Kingston Culture Plan
Cultural Resource Mapping: A Guide for Municipalities
Mississauga Culture Master Plan
Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid
Expo 2015 Feasibility Study
Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Environmental Assessment
Toronto Sport Council
Public Consultation Strategy and Precinct Plans for West Don Lands & East Bayfront
Toronto Waterfront Attraction Feasibility Study – Toronto Museum
Upton Farm Lands
Harbourfront Parks and Open Space Project
Newmarket Prosperity Forum

See what we're up to on the CUI Blog

Click here to see posts related to Connector on the CUI Blog.

Connect with Connector

Please contact Jeff Evenson, Principal, Connector, for more information about products and services offered by this branch.