Rapid change in neighbourhoods and communities

Growth Management is a technique most associated with the tourism industry, however it is clear that it is relevant to areas of fast growth in other environments where there is dynamic change. We are keen to employ our knowledge and skills to assist you in using GMP in your organisation, with your communities.

As more tourism resorts have appreciated the need to manage the balance between tourists and local people, so new management techniques were needed which reflected a greater respect for the role of local communities in resort development based on the recognition that residents and tourists are essentially in competition, coupled with growing international support for more genuine community involvement in support of sustainability:

In tourism Growth Management starts with ‘disaggregating’ the resort community into, for example, permanent residents, second homeowners, seasonal workers and tourists. The impact of development on each of these stakeholders is considered. Community involvement as well as visitor feedback is considered essential to the success of growth management planning, as is a genuine commitment to reflect priorities in terms of development, environmental care, commercial and social elements.

GMP has been in use in Whistler, British Columbia since 1988. Creative ways have been used to involve the local community. The result has been an appreciation of the changing nature of the needs of a resort, for example a need to concentrate on market development, especially in the early stages of growth, but in a way that does not conflict with the needs of the community. Social indicators such as school enrolment and unemployment enable planners to have a clear idea of the impact of development on residents; and residents to have evidence for any points that they wish to raise.

Growth Management appears to offer a real positive response to the challenge of conflicts of interest within planned resorts, however vigilance may be required to ensure that residents remain fully involved and that community consultation does not become a token gesture.

For more information on how we can help you with growth management or other strategic planning please contact us here at Culturescape.