Stantec launches Community Engage

Leading engineering and design firm Stantec has announced the launch of their latest digital solution - a cost-effective online public consultation tool, that meets legislative requirements, enhances community engagement and offers advanced reporting and analytics.

Stantec Community Engage is a bespoke platform that helps showcase a compelling strategic case for planning projects, while capturing meaningful feedback from the public and project stakeholders to help inform the decision-making process. The tool allows clients to create accessible, GDPR compliant forums that with the support of a dedicated digital team reach a broader audience than traditional consultations with the option to target specific demographics or community groups.

Stantec’s community engagement experts replicate the consultation experience in a personalised 360° online environment, complete with project display boards, video clips and orthographic 3D models.  From town halls to leisure centres, using 3D photography they can replicate exact locations and incorporate live chat to bring a more human, familiar feel to online consulting.

Brendan Tinney, Environmental Planner with SP Energy Networks, commented, “I found the Community Engage platform from Stantec to be extremely helpful in allowing SP Energy Networks to undertake public consultation activities in a simple to use and secure manner. It allowed us to keep the project moving, even with the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. The platform was accessible and informative for users and ideal for tracking feedback.”

Public consultations are a vital part of the planning process, providing communities and stakeholders with a forum where they can review proposals and share views about potential developments. Since the start of the pandemic, Stantec has been working in partnership with their clients to develop and trial a solution that will enable them to provide a cost-effective way to conduct consultations online instead – generating more detailed analytics and feedback.

“At Stantec, we design with community in mind, so it’s incredibly important that people are given the opportunity to review proposals and have a voice in the projects that will make their communities better places to live and work,” said Keith Mitchell, Director, Community Development and Infrastructure (UK), Stantec. “Public consultations give the community a chance to ask questions and air their concerns. It’s an important step in the planning process and helps people understand what changes are being proposed and the benefits they will bring. Stantec Community Engage means that plans to create new and better places need not be put on hold because of COVID-19. Communities can still develop and have a say in that development.” 

Stantec Community Engage will allow more people than ever before to participate in consultations at their convenience on their laptop, tablet or mobile improving the quality and quantity of feedback captured.

This means that clients can quickly access meaningful feedback from a wider section of the public and gain a more accurate understanding of the issues important to stakeholders. To ensure quality of data is guaranteed, Stantec will provide full analysis of feedback, identify trends, and include web analytics with visitor traffic and demographics.

The success of a consultation is dependent on raising awareness of the event with stakeholders and Stantec is offering a range of outreach options to ensure clients reach the right audience. These include highly targeted social media advertising, localised digital advertising, and online engagement with community groups and key influencers.

“We’re very excited about our new offering,” continued Keith. “However the pandemic develops, we believe that the virtual consultation environment is here to stay. We will work with our clients and continue to develop Stantec Community Engage to make sure virtual consultations become increasingly accessible, inclusive and informative.”

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

Media Contact                                               
Jody Prescott                                                             
Stantec Media Relations                               
Ph: (44) 1189-520670                                       
jody.prescott@stantec.com