The room was set up with round tables and chairs, and we were randomly assigned to different tables.

There was an introduction, followed by a two part presentation:
1. Study Approach;
2. Proposed Study Objectives. 

After each section we held round table discussions about what we heard, then reported back to the whole group.

People asked that the ideas used should be flagged in the reports. We also suggested that future meetings should not be held at the end of each phase of the timeline, but a week or two before the end of the phase. This would allow the stakeholders to have input before the final decisions for each phase are made.

The whole process was carried out with respect for the participants and their differing views. In fact, this first presentation was put together with the assistance of a Citizen Advisory Committee. All in all, the meeting was an object lesson in How to do Community Consultation properly. Toronto Port Authority, take note.

Barry Lipton