The Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative (SASCI), in collaboration with the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9, conducted a Community Values Assessment for the MD of Pincher Creek.   

The Community Values Assessment is intended to help the MD consider community values more effectively in decision-making and develop better practices for land use and land management.  The Assessment engaged a broad spectrum of the public within the MD of Pincher Creek. The goal was to identify community values related to the natural, social, and economic environment.  The study also considered the relative priority of those values, and examined factors contributing to convergence and divergence in values across the MD.  The findings of the Community Values Assessment will assist the MD and all stakeholders to assess the compatibility of proposed developments in relation to the community’s values.

The Assessment employed a range of methods to engage a representative cross-section of the community.  The Assessment began with a telephone survey of MD residents in June 2011.  A series of small group discussions with representatives of key economic and socio-cultural sectors and stakeholder groups were held in June and July.  A follow-up session was held in September with some participants of the group discussions to validate the initial findings and discuss next steps.  The final report has now been presented to the MD Council and the community.

To download a copy of the Community Values Assessment, click here to be redirected to our Publications page.  There you will have the option of downloading a Summary document or the full report.  You may also download a technical report which provides details regarding study methodology and results.

SASCI engaged The Praxis Group™ to assist in conducting the Assessment.  Praxis is an Alberta-based and Alberta-owned firm with considerable experience in public and stakeholder consultation, survey research, facilitation, and focus group design and implementation.  Praxis has undertaken a wide range of stakeholder engagement projects and assignments within Alberta and across western Canada, and was selected following a competitive bidding process.  SASCI has played a coordinating role in the Assessment, framing survey and focus group questions, identifying community resources, and providing local support.  Praxis conducted the survey, facilitated the focus group and workshop discussions, prepared the Assessment report, and presented the findings to the community.

SASCI, the MD of Pincher Creek, and the provincial Rural Community Adaptation Program funded this study.  

For more information, please contact David Green, Manager, at dgreen@sasci.ca, Celesa Horvath, SASCI Board Chair, at chorvath@sasci.ca, or call the SASCI office at (403) 627-1750.