Resolving community conflicts with public participation: A case study of a southwestern Ontario community

This qualitative case study of a southern Ontario urban fringe community demonstrates that unresolved community conflict continues to be played out in the political arena by different actors in on-going disputes. A macro, meta and micro level of analysis reveals that negative patterns of interaction have contributed to a fatalistic attitude to community problem solving. Furthermore, the study confirms that the traditional processes did not address the needs and fears of the residents, thus contributing to the entrenchment and impasses the community faced. Eramosa Township was chosen for its highly conflictual nature and its extensive public participation practices. Participants from various parts of the township included both long time residents and newcomers. A purposeful snowball sample of 26 participants provided the primary source of information while secondary sources such as newspapers and council minutes were used to compile the historical context