Identifying Potential Conflict in Land-Use Planning Using a Values-Centered E-Participation Tool: A Canadian Case Study in Aggregate Mining

Abstract

An innovative e-participation tool is used to facilitate the articulation of value-laden assumptions, and to identify key points of likely conflict in an aggregate mining controversy in Ontario, Canada. The expert model developed using ‘Public to Public Decision Support System (P2P-DSS) reflects a perspective that differs significantly from public perceptions in terms of the social values that influence rejection of a permit amendment application. By facilitating two-way communication about values assumptions P2P-DSS generates a novel dataset that can support pro-active conflict management and contribute to a shared understanding between government decision-makers and public citizens.