TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT
Client: Public Airport
Challenge:
- A number studies indicate that in order to operate a financially
viable airport infrastructure changes were essential.
- There was significant local opposition to proposed changes.
- At issue was the withdrawl of federal funding for the property.
- Moreover infrastructure constraints limited access for quiet
modern commuter jets.
- The facility had been studied extensively. The reports filled
a boardroom table with piles four feet high.
- In August of that year, under the terms of the agreement
the government had ninety days to respond before the airport
could be closed.
- Any decision required a partite agreement between the federal,
provincial and municipal governments.
- Challenge was to convince all three levels of government,
the public and the media to support changes.
Solution:
- Developed a “candid and open” communications
strategy.
- Senior management increased dialogue with the community
and the media.
- Studies were analysed, simplified and synthesized into a
cogent 15-page summary.
- A round of talks and public meetings were initiated with
key government officials, ratepayers associations and influential
business leaders.
Results:
- The media tone shifted significantly.
- A leading anti-development reporter with the Toronto Star
came out in support of the airport.
- The tone of the public debate was substantially modified.
- All three levels of government agreed to support the changes.
