We asked and you answered. As our public information plan evolves, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is very interested in engaging in dialogue with community members about the Port Hope Area Initiative projects in Port Hope and Clarington.
The best way to get feedback in real time is through social media, and you confirmed that this is one way you want to discuss issues with our team through your growing interaction with us on social media and through the feedback from focus groups made up of local residents.
With the help of social media savvy community members who attended recent CNL-led focus groups on our social media strategies, we specifically discussed ways that we can improve our online communications and dialogue with the community.
Feedback from the group was clear, honest and valuable. For example, we heard that the overuse of technical jargon and acronyms can be confusing for people, and that stories from the field showing the people behind the project helps people connect with the human side of our work. Participants of the focus groups also reminded us of the importance of highlighting the reasons why the cleanup matters to the people of this community.
“We care about having open and honest conversations with the community and are willing to answer questions, as long as they do not breach confidentiality rules, in the shortest possible time,” said Bill Daly, Manager Public Communications and Programs.
The social media plan for the PHAI is aimed at developing relationships with the community, listening to the areas of concern identified by the public, creating and sustaining excitement about the work and providing accurate and timely information from an authoritative source.
“We recognize that the community and their needs change and so our strategies must change too,” added Daly. “We encourage you to share any questions or concerns you have directly with us and we can provide you with accurate information.”
CNL Port Hope currently has four social media platforms plus the website (phai.ca) to share information about current and upcoming work, facts about the project and its potential impacts – like road closures and anticipated noise/disturbances caused by construction activities.
Each platform is used for a specific reason and is tailor-made to each audience. For example, Facebook provides lengthier posts with links to the website, Twitter gives you a snapshot of our work if you have us in your newsfeed, Linkedin is useful if you are interested in the corporate side of our company or looking for a job and Instagram provides you with a visual representation of the project’s day-to-day successes, activities and impacts.
Let us know what’s on your mind, we are happy to have the conversation. Thanks for being social.
