"Working with the Process"

Community development is a process; a way of engaging the community. Many communities are already participating in this process, but sometimes they do not use the term "community development". ACE Communities is geared to supporting communities in this process.

In any case, the community of High Level is "working with the process". Adam Clarkson, Manager of Recreation Services mentions that "ACE has been great for our community. It's gotten the community involved, and we've been able to celebrate our successes and accomplishments." Here, the significant piece is celebrating as a community in order to be connected in meaningful ways.

"To us, it doesn't matter what we get people involved in; what's important to us is that people are involved in the community." Carrie Denkiw, Health Promotion Liaison. In other words, the process and engagement, rather than the end product is key.

When communities focus on the process of asking what residents want and need through meaningful conversations, then residents will feel included as part of the community.