New public hearing rules around alternating panels of speakers are having a positive impact, according to the city councillor who pitched the idea.
During the start of Monday’s public hearing on citywide rezoning, panels were assembled for, against and neutral, a departure from past public hearings where you’d hear from all of those for a motion and then all against. Calgary city council passed a motion from Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian back in March ensuring citizens with diverse opinions would hear one another rather than being in an echo chamber.
After day one, Mian said she enjoyed hearing the alternating perspectives.
“I think the participants have also enjoyed it because they’re able to hear what other people think and respond to that. So far, everything’s remained respectful, which is really key,” Coun. Mian said.
“One of the concerns was that maybe if we alternate perspectives that that will drive some hostility, but so far, I don’t think we’ve seen that so far. I think it’s driven better dialogue.”
The tone in council chamber is noticeably different, too. Citizens representing similar viewpoints aren’t feeding off one another creating a politically-charged, frenetic atmosphere.
“I agree that I think when there’s a bit of an echo chamber, whether it’s for or against something, people tend to escalate in that direction,” Mian said.
“I think it has a tempering effect. I mean, we’ll see how the rest of the week goes.”
Mayor Jyoti Gondek also said she’s seen the impact of this on the debate and thought it was important for others to hear different perspectives.
“I think it’s been a really good idea because you’re getting different perspectives, and I think people are able to listen to one another as well,” the mayor said.
“I find it to be quite a good process as a member of council that’s listening to hear the fors and then the against and the neutrals, that are actually not so neutral, but that’s OK. People need to classify themselves somewhere.”
Day two of the public hearing continues April 23.
