Comprehensive Community Planning
Learn more about a planning process that is initiated, designed and implemented by the community for the community.
On this page
What is Comprehensive Community Planning?
Comprehensive Community Planning is an ongoing process that enables a community to plan its development in a way that meets its needs and aspirations in all aspects of community life. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has been working in partnership with BC First Nations on CCP since 2004. CCP can include, but is not limited to, areas such as:
- Governance
- Land & Resources
- Health
- Infrastructure Development
- Culture
- Social
- Education
- Economy
How to participate?
Please call INAC's British Columbia office at 1-800-665-9320 or, if in Metro Vancouver, 604-775-5100 and ask to speak to the Community Initiatives Unit manager.
Funding for Comprehensive Community Planning
Funding support for CCP is available through numerous programs, including:
- British Columbia Capacity Initiative
- First Nations Infrastructure Fund
- Community Economic Opportunities Program
- Professional and Institutional Development
Tools and resources
The CCP Handbook: Comprehensive Community Planning for First Nations in British Columbia is a reference tool to support First Nations interested in doing CCP. The handbook was initially developed to document the experiences of and lessons learned by five pilot communities in British Columbia. It was updated in 2013 to include tools for the drafting and implementation of a community plan.
Support is also available through the CCP Mentorship Initiative which matches experienced First Nations as mentors to communities interested in initiating the early stages of planning. The mentors serve as experienced guides throughout the planning process for mentees to:
- develop work plans and meeting agendas
- engage meeting participants
- facilitate workshops
- write reports
Testimonials and success stories
Since 2004, more than 80 First Nations communities in British Columbia have completed comprehensive community plans. Here are some of their experiences:
We established a CCP committee early and held workshops and on-going technical reviews. From the beginning, we involved the community through dinners, family-head meetings, and newsletters. We ensure that meetings have a clear agenda and are fun. We focus on the progress that we make, even if it's small.
The capacity we've developed has been a good exercise for our community. Membership did not know what Comprehensive Community Planning was, and now they know and have an appreciation for it.
We established a volunteer community committee, including citizens living on and off reserve, to conduct the ongoing review of the engagement policy, make amendments and provide advice. This approach allows for the policy to be 'test-driven' and improved, or amended, if necessary.
Having the support of a mentor who has done the process, and knows the tools and tricks really helps relieve the stress. You get into the mode of "Yes, I can do it!"