Participatory City Halifax

Context
Participatory City, first developed in the UK, is an innovative approach to building inclusive, community-rooted participation at scale. In 2019, partners in Canada began exploring how this model could be adapted to local contexts to foster stronger, more connected, and resilient communities. In Halifax, the initiative aimed to lay the groundwork for a flourishing neighbourhood-based program rooted in local leadership, collaboration, and everyday participation.

Our Role
Colab supported the visioning and development of Participatory City in Canada from its earliest stages, working closely with the Participatory City Foundation, the McConnell Foundation, and local partners. In Halifax, we provided strategy, partnership building, coaching, and developmental evaluation. We convened a gathering of 60 community members, government representatives, and organizational leaders to explore the potential of a locally rooted model, while also supporting the core team with training, coaching, and start-up planning. Our contributions included securing key funding and partnerships and developing business planning tools, scoping documents, and presentations to engage a wide range of stakeholders.

Outcome
The result is Everyone. Everyday., a thriving, community-driven initiative hosted by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre on Gottingen Street in Halifax. Today, the initiative supports hands-on projects that foster belonging, connection, and active participation, while continuing to adapt and grow in response to local needs. The Halifax experience has also contributed to the broader development of Participatory Canada, helping shape a national movement for inclusive and participatory community building.