Group 4-Team Purple: Community Voices

Description

Team Purple’s conflict scenario takes place at a community meeting where members have gathered to hear plans about a development that has yet to be approved. The developer hopes to provide as much information as is necessary to the concerned citizens of the community so that they may give approval, as the vote will not go ahead to the city council if the community is not in support. The developer working for the City of Toronto has brought in a panel of experts to help convince the community that the proposed development will benefit the entire community, bringing in possible jobs, revenues, and togetherness. The development is a commercial building with retail and office space; however, a medical company has already confirmed their intent to rent out a number of spaces as part of their rehabilitation program for those with substance abuse issues. Community members, including residents and professionals working within the community are in attendance, as they want their voices to be heard, and believe there should be advocates for those citizens who are not able to speak out at the meeting. There is concern around safety of the citizens as well as concerns around the impacts of a possible medical practice bringing negative business to the community. Emotions are high and the developer has chosen to appoint their expert on Urban and Regional Planning as the mediator for the meeting and has sent his expert on Public Health and Safety in an effort to relieve the concerns of the citizens. For a number of reasons, some community members are in favour of the development, some are neutral and others are against it. The conflict arises as the discussion turns to safety.