The City of Kenora is a key partner, connector, and voice in addressing complex community needs.
Corporate Communications Plan and Strategy
The Corporate Communications Plan aims to enhance internal and external communications within the City of
Kenora. Its goal is to establish coordinated and effective communication that meets the needs of Council,
employees, and the public. This plan is for all City employees, partners, Council, Boards, and Committees of
Council who engage with the communities we serve.
The Communications Strategy is a complementary document to the Corporate Communications Plan. The Communications Strategy is an evolving strategy for the entire organization that outlines specific goals, objectives, and actions. The Communications Strategy includes a three-year implementation plan that is aligned with the priorities of the City’s Strategic Plan and Corporate Communications Plan.
All City employees have a role to play to ensure the success of this Corporate Communications Plan (hereafter referred to as the ‘Plan’. By working collaboratively across departments to ensure the City’s communication efforts are well coordinated and inclusive to the needs of partners, we will achieve a more
informed and engaged workforce, community, and Council.
While this Plan spans a three-year period, we recognize the communications landscape may not look the same year-to year as it does today. As such, this plan is a living document. The vision and guiding principles outlined here will serve as a foundation for our efforts, providing clear direction to follow while allowing us the flexibility to adapt as necessary.
Guiding principles
The following communications principles are recommended to guide the City of Kenora in the development of a strong communications function.
This Plan and the Communications Strategy were developed with the City’s Strategic Plan at the forefront addressing the vision, goals, and our corporate values to meet the needs of our citizens and our employees.
The City of Kenora will ensure respectful and inclusive communications with our staff, community and partners.
The City of Kenora puts people at the forefront when delivering services.
The City of Kenora is committed to being respectful of our natural environment to ensure it can continue to enrich future generations.
The City of Kenora will administer municipal finances in a prudent, accountable, and transparent manner that is mindful of the financial implications of our daily decisions.
The City of Kenora will strive for continuous service improvements through curiosity, leadership, and implementing best practices.
The City of Kenora will actively engage in planning, prevention, and protection to mitigate risk and address complex challenges.
The City of Kenora will act with integrity, honesty, and fairness in all our actions, fostering a corporate culture that promotes trust and respect of our staff, our community, and our partners.
Communications Strategy
The Communications Strategy sets four goals. Each goal includes several objectives (39 in total), with defined action items and assigned leads and supports for each objective.
This strategy features a three-year implementation plan aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan and Corporate Communications Plan. It enables Council and staff to measure progress and the effectiveness of our communications.
Communications excellence is achieved by the whole organization. Internal and external communications within the City is a shared responsibility.
Strengthening public awareness and involvement
The goal is to elevate public awareness of the City’s services and programs, where to access accurate information, and fostering an informed and engaged community. By promoting transparency and education, we can build trust and enhance public services.
It is still important to continue a balanced approach to communications that combines traditional methods with digital platforms. A combination of traditional and digital touchpoints will ensure we reach diverse audiences, including those less familiar with, or with limited access to, online tools. By consistently reinforcing the City’s messages across various formats, we can enhance public awareness and trust in local governance, ultimately empowering residents to take an active role in their community.
Improve internal communications and collaboration
Every City staff member plays a vital role as a communicator, whether interacting with colleagues, the Mayor and Council, partners, or the community.
It is essential that staff are well-informed about the City’s services, programs, projects, and major updates. Therefore, our goal is to improve internal communications and collaboration by cultivating a culture of ownership and accountability for the City’s communications success.
Embedding this mindset throughout the organization will significantly boost staff morale, enhance organizational culture, and elevate the resident experience, ultimately strengthening the trust we build within the community.
Build a cohesive brand experience
In today’s dynamic landscape, effective branding stands as a pillar of organizational success, serving as both a visual representation and a symbol of trust for our community. A strong brand not only enhances awareness but also instills confidence; when the public encounters the City brand, they recognize it as a reliable source of
information.
To achieve a cohesive brand experience, it is imperative that we cultivate a consistent and unified brand identity across all aspects of the corporation.
Align all communications to the City’s Strategic Plan
The City’s Strategic Plan is a foundational document. It provides a framework for Council and City staff to inform strategies, actions, resources, and decision making. The City’s Strategic Plan formed the foundation on which supplementary plans and documents were created. These plans are vital guiding documents that should be regularly referenced.
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