Assignment 4: Media Assets

Design layout for the first phase of the project in St. Martin’s block.

This-urban-renewal-project-is-designed-to-replace-the-informal-neighbourhoods-of-Mezzeh_fig6_263145369

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Envisioned future of the infrastructures being added to Little Burgundy.

https://futurearchitectureplatform.org/projects/ec583d47-6fc6-4b10-a61b-b439911befb5/

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Assignment 4: Communications Plan

The Montreal Development Corporation is bringing the spark back to the neighbourhood of Little Burgundy by introducing the Little Burgundy Urban Renewal Project. The initiative aims to modernize the area to reimagine and improve the culture and livelihood by sprucing up the city for the residents and new-comers to fully enjoy. The project will commence on June 2nd with phase one in St. Martin’s block.

The Montreal Development Corporation is committed to providing new infrastructures, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, luxury housing and more while preserving the culture of Little Burgundy. As residents have been voicing their concerns over the potential loss of the culture, the corporation has decided to launch the Balanced Growth Initiative to keep everyone involved. This initiative aims to provide complete transparency throughout the project with the residents, local advocacy groups, and stakeholders. With meetings being held throughout the duration of the project, this keeps these individuals up to date with the work to come, as well as give their feedback and ideas to truly feel a part of the initiative. 

Furthering the idea of transparency, blog content will take place to provide full information. These posts will include key figures of the project, such as head leader of the project, Joanne Johnson, mayor Jean Drapeau, as well as leaders of the local advocacy group, and local Montreal historians and cultural experts who will also provide their input throughout the project. A compilation of 7 posts will be created throughout the project;

  1. May 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “Get Ready for a new City” – a post dedicated to explaining the outline and visions of the urban renewal project, allowing allotted time for residents and others to be informed and follow up with the project managers as needed.
  2. June 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “Little Burgundy’s New Start” – posted on the day of the project’s launch, creating excitement for the residents.
  3. July 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “The Renewal We Needed” – includes an interview with the head project leader, Joanne Johnson, providing the residents with her insight as to why this project will be a success and its importance to the city, as well as the initiatives their taking to keep each resident content.
  4. August 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “Keeping the Love of Little Burgundy” – includes an interview with the local advocacy group leaders; at this point, meetings will have taken place for the Balanced Growth Initiative, meaning residents and groups will have gotten a look into the project and the procedures taking place. The group leaders can speak on their thoughts regarding the project and why residents can feel confident in their soon to be new homes.
  5. September 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “A Day on the Job” – a behind the scenes look at the project from the workers’ perspectives to showcase the improvement of the project.
  6. October 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “Jean and His City” – includes an interview with mayor Jean Drapeau who can talk about his life in Little Burgundy and his thoughts on the project, including why he believes, as a long term resident of the neighbourhood, that this project is very beneficial.
  7. November 2, 2025, 12:00 PM: “Protecting the Light of Little Burgundy” – includes an interview with local Montreal historians and cultural experts who have seen the efforts the corporation is taking to preserve cultural landmarks and the overall culture of Little Burgundy. 

These posts can be found on our website, www.LittleBurgundyRenewal.com, along with other information about the project’s initiatives. Monthly posts will be made to fully and properly encapsulate the work and improvement of the project.

To ensure our posts are being seen by the residents, comments will be enabled on each post. This allows for immediate response and conversation. On the website page, a comment box will be left for anyone to anonymously comment on the project, provide feedback and gain information. These comments will be monitored by one individual to ensure each comment is read and responded to. Readers can also sign up for the corporation’s email to receive updates and surveys at their own judgement. Polls and surveys can be introduced at the monthly Balanced Growth Initiative meetings to decipher whether the blog posts are effective, as well as an open conversation or Q&A session can be held during these meetings to gain feedback on the audience’s topic ideas, what they like or dislike, etc, and adjust as needed. 

These blog posts can be effective as this allows for complete transparency and open-ended engagement. With the concerns of residents, they will be able to access a first-hand look into the project as they will be constantly updated. Giving the residents the ability to give feedback, comment on the project, and supply possible ideas can provide them with a sense of security. As the corporation is committed to complete transparency and stakeholder engagement, this can prove to each individual that they are being deeply considered when it comes to taking the next steps in the project.

Assignment 4: Fact Sheet

Little Burgundy Urban Renewal Project Fact Sheet 

Overview

The Montreal Development Corporation is launching the Little Burgundy Urban Renewal Project, an initiative aimed to transform the neighbourhood of Little Burgundy into a modern, dynamic district by improving infrastructure, adding new housing, and revitalizing the local economy. 

Vision

Create new commercial spaces, public parks, and luxury housing.

Over 500 new residential units (affordable housing and luxury apartments).

Goals

Revitalize the Little Burgundy neighbourhood.

Stimulate local economic growth. 

Introduce modern infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage.

Impact on Housing 

Both high-end and affordable living options will be created to ensure a diverse range of residents can benefit from the project.

New Commercial Opportunities

A new commercial district will be introduced, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and office spaces. These additions are expected to provide job opportunities for new and existing residents.

Cultural Preservation 

The city is committed to preserve and maintain cultural landmarks and community spaces that define little Burgundy. 

Public Engagement

The Balanced Growth Initiative is introduced to ensure full transparency throughout the project.

Public forums and community meetings will be held to keep residents informed, gather feedback and thoughtful insight.

Environmental Considerations 

The renewal will incorporate pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and urban greenspaces, i.e. communal gardens, parks, green roofs.

Conservation of natural elements will be greatly respected.

Sustainable building practices will be implemented to ensure the environmental safety of the project. 

Economic Benefits for the Community 

With new job opportunities to be expected, local residents will have priority to help reduce unemployment and improve economic stability in the neighborhood.

Timeline for Completion 

Expected date of project execution is June 2nd, 2025, expected completion in 2028.

Full completion is scheduled over several phases, with the first focused on residential and commercial developments.

Assignment 4: Press Release

The New Little Burgundy

Beginning on June 2nd, the Montreal Development Corporation will commence its urban renewal project in Little Burgundy, with the first section beginning on St. Martin’s block. This comprehensive renewal project aims to transform the neighborhood into a dynamic and modernized area for the residents to enjoy. The project will bring much-needed economic revitalization, new job opportunities, and modern infrastructure to the area, while preserving the history and culture that has defined Little Burgundy. 

The diversity of Little Burgundy’s neighbourhood has been outstanding with small businesses and cultural landmarks. However, within recent years, many buildings and public spaces have become worn down, making the area less accessible and enticing for visitors and residents alike. The urban renewal project will bring back the light the neighbourhood is seeking to reimagine by addressing these issues with new commercial spaces, luxury housing units, public parks, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes to enhance the overall quality for residents and invite visitors to the well-loved area. Head leader of the project, Joanne Johnson, states “the renewal of Little Burgundy is crucial to help encapsulate the vibrant neighbourhood it once was with new spaces for the residents to continue enjoying, and for visitors to truly learn and appreciate the joy of the area. Our vision for the project is one of thoughtful growth, where modernization and preservation go hand in hand.”

While the city remains committed to this important development, local residents and community members have voiced concerns about the potential displacement of long-term residents and the loss of the neighbourhood’s cultural identity. In response to these concerns, the city has announced a partnership with local advocacy groups to ensure the redevelopment is inclusive. The Balanced Growth Initiative will work to incorporate affordable housing options, support local businesses, and protect the neighbourhoods cultural landmarks. 

The Montreal Development Corporation is a city-led urban renewal initiative, designed to revitalize the historic Little Burgundy neighbourhood. The corporation has and continues to aim to create an inclusive space and has always valued the residents of their city. They are committed to ensuring full transparency and public engagement throughout the redevelopment project. With the Balanced Growth Initiative, residents can be given the liberty to express any concerns that might arise throughout the project, as well as provide feedback and work in partnership to ensure the city keeps its unique atmosphere. Public hearings and informational sessions will be held at City Hall throughout the course of the project for anyone to attend to be kept up to date with upcoming phases of the project. A dedicated website, www.LittleBurgundyRenewal.com, will further be launched to provide updates and details regarding the project. The city encourages residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in these discussions to ensure the project benefits all members of the community.

For further information or to schedule a meeting, please contact:

Sydney Fairlie

sydneyfarilie@gmail.com

(333) 333-3333

Assignment 3: Blog Post

Hatfield Group: Innovating for a Greener, Fairer Future

The leading sustainable organization of western Canada, Hatfield, is proving to the public why their group is a complete success. With dedication to advancing sustainable practices, foresting insightful innovations, and making a lasting impact on not only Canadian communities, but international communities, shows just how invested they are to create a better environment for all.

After the initial foundation of the organization by Chris Hatfield in 1974, Hatfield has blossomed into the group we know today. Starting off as a small company in North Vancouver, Hatfield grew with 8 office locations, 6 in Canada, 2 internationally, to supply their resources and expertise around the globe. Their most note worthy projects include SmartWhales, a development of space-based solutions conducted in the Canadian Space Agency to monitor and protect the North Atlantic whale; the establishment of conservation areas in the waters off Kolepom Island in Indonesia; the Whole Creek Fish Habitat Offsetting Project to protect the fish, and many, many more.

The reason for the organization’s success lies on its emphasis for cutting-edge research and developments; Hatfield conducts their work in a revolutionary way. Their research spans across environmental science, agricultural development, and technology, with a focus on innovative, data-driven, and sustainable solutions to support the environment, the industries, and the communities.

The sole focus of Hatfield is to ease any and all environmental challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and habitat destruction. They find a way to allow the communities and the environments around us to live as one.

Their ability to accomplish the hundreds of projects they’ve accomplished and continue to focus on comes from the relationships they’ve been able to build along the way. Collaborations take place with academic institutions, governmental organizations, private enterprises, and more ensures the research they conduct translates into actionable solutions.

Hatfield further places emphasis on their corporate social responsibilities. With a passion for sustainability and a safe and healthy workplace, their initiatives check all the boxes. To reduce their own environmental footprint, Hatfield minimizes energy consumption in its operations, implements waste reduction strategies, and allows the employees to take on a greener lifestyle by supplying bicycle storage and shower facilities.

The group is further given the opportunity to create change by providing paid time off for employees to volunteer with causes they feel strongly for. Hatfield staff regularly volunteer to assist with local initiatives such as the great shoreline cleanup.

Workplace events continuously take place to raise funds to support communities in which they work and live, and have been able to support and work with UNICEF, Haiti Relief Fund, the Canadian Red Cross’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and more.

Their relentless work has showcased the true passion and dedication Hatfield has for a better environment. They exemplify the potential of Canadian businesses to drive global change through insightful research, innovation, and a commitment to social responsibility.

The success of Hatfield can become exemplary with the support of passionate communities. Visit their website, hatfieldgroup.com, to see more of the insightful work they continue to do. Donations made can further their research and support future projects for the world around us. Supporting Hatfield means supporting the planet and the people.

Assignment 3: Press Release

Hatfield’s Steps to Save the World

Hatfield is committed to bettering the lives of others, as well as the environment we step foot in everyday. With high ethical standards, the organization aims to keep everyone involved content. The success of Hatfield wouldn’t be where it is without the efforts of those involved and the trusty employees are guaranteed with a healthy and safe work environment. Furthering their environmental impacts, Hatfield provides bicycle storage and shower facilities to support cycling as a healthy, emission-free option for commuting to their daily job. As well, paid time off is offered in order for staff to volunteer with causes they feel passionate towards. Great Shoreline Cleanup is an initiative that is regularly attended by the Hatfield staff to further support their initiatives as a group. They further volunteer in different countries around the world to raise awareness and create change. Indonesia, Africa, and areas around Canada are just some of the places Hatfield operates at to promote workplace events and raise funds for their projects. Recently, the organization has supported UNICEF, Haiti Relief Fund, the Harvest Project, the Seymour Salmonid Society, United Way, the Canadian Red Cross’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and many more. With the strive to Hatfield’s vision of a healthier planet, they take the necessary steps each day to achieve what they can. The organization takes pride in their partnerships which assists them in furthering their overall vision. “At Hatfield, we pride ourselves in being approachable and building strong partnerships with our clients. We have over 50 years of experience collaborating with our clients and delivering excellence in science. We operate under the highest ethical standards and strive to solve complex problems with forward-thinking solutions,” (Hatfield, 2025). With a vision that allows nature and people to flourish harmoniously, a purpose to advance sustainable development that supports thriving ecosystems and communities, and valuing a focus on science-based solutions and collaborative partnerships, Hatifld has become the largest independent environmental companies in western Canada. To support these initiatives that continue to change the world day-by-day, donations can be made to the Hatfield project via their website hatfieldgroup.com. Spreading awareness of the organization allows the group to flourish and receive the support they need to further their work. Keep Hatfield in mind to continue the green initiative and become a part of western Canada’s largest projects to date. For more information, visit hatfieldgroup.com, or contact Sydney Fairlie, sydneyfairlie@gmail.com, to support Hatfield.

Assignment 3: Communication Plan

Hatfield is western Canada’s leading environmental consultancies. The organization provides multidisciplinary services in environmental and social sciences to advance sustainable developments in Canada and internationally (Hatfield, 2025). Founded in 1974 by Chris Hatfield, the organization has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and has grown into one of the largest independent environmental companies in Canada, employing over 250 individuals with 6 nation-wide offices and 2 international offices. With a focus on high quality, impactful, and ethical work, Hatfield is recognized for their innovative science-based approach to solutions that address the needs of their clients (Hatfield, 2025). The organization seeks to create a healthier planet by advancing sustainable developments that support thriving ecosystems and its communities, where people and nature can flourish harmoniously. 

With Hatfield’s background, their target audience can reach a widespread amount of people. Many Canadians know of Chris Hatfield as he was a prominent figure in the early 2010s when he deployed into space for 5 months. Younger generations know of his work, allowing them to follow with his other initiatives over the last decade. Those who are interested in supporting the global climate, no matter the age range, could be considered when taking target audiences into account. However, Hatfield should continue reaching out to younger generations in school settings to educate them on the world around us, as Chris Hatfield has done, which would allow for younger generations to be informed from a young age and carry this knowledge with them as they grow. Those in their early 20s, specifically those with science backgrounds or an interest in the current climate, may also be curious of Hatfield’s initiatives as an organization since these are the individuals who will create the future and make the change Hatfield wants to see.

With the age of technology being at an all time high, Hatfield could reach out to these target audiences through social media pages. The most popular site, TikTok, has the ability to promote content to nearly anyone who owns the app making it an appropriate platform to promote the organization and their initiatives. Educational videos and the exposure of their work can be broadcasted to, hypothetically, the world. Further, implementing in school sessions with the employees of Hatfield can ensure their organization is being seen. Informational activities and presentations can be brought into any school level to teach a range of students about the world around them and how Hatfield is making a difference everyday. 

To measure the success of the campaign, a few methods can be taken into consideration. Tracking the website traffic can be looked at once different events, ads, informational videos, etc, are presented to the general public to see whether they are taking their own initiatives to learn more about Hatfield projects and their impact. As well, emails can be sent out if in school sessions are taken up. For instance, if a younger grade participates in a session, an email can be sent to the teacher to provide feedback and possible lessons that can take place to ensure the information provided by Hatfield remains with the students. That same email can be sent to older grades to receive direct feedback from the students themselves. If a TikTok page is created, a click-through rate can be tracked to see who engages with the site and how often these interactions are taking place. With an online space as well, feedback can be instantly received from the general public.

Assignment 2

The Omega Gets a Makeover

Thompson Rivers University’s official student newspaper, The Omega, is regaining a fresh start by relaunching its newsroom for all students to enjoy. On April 10th, 2025 at 3:00-5:30PM, stop by Campus Commons outside of the Campus Activity Centre for an end of the school year tailgate party to support the relaunch of The Omega

Manager Sean Brady and Editor-In-Chief Robert McAlaster will be our main speakers to introduce The Omega and encourage others to be a part of their journalistic processes. McAlaster states that The Omega is a newspaper for the students, which is why this relaunch is so important. They are seeking to spread information to the students on how they can engage with the newspaper, whether they want to write a story, gain some background information of the working aspects, or simply pitch an idea for a story, The Omega prioritizes the students first and foremost. “We want to hear from you, the students. This is a newspaper for the students and the students only,” McAlaster replies during an in-class press conference.

McAlaster and Brady devote their time to perfecting The Omega. It’s a source that keeps students up to date with the latest events that happen all around campus. They strive to keep the newspaper as a media source solely for the students of TRU. With their office located in room 2768 of the Old Main building on campus, they keep an open door policy to allow students to come as they need. They further host meetings on Monday nights in Old Main, room 2622 at 5:00 PM for any student to attend. This meeting allows students to pitch their own ideas for a story they may want to write, or simply bring up story ideas that they would want to see in future articles. The Omega is a newspaper solely for the students, made by the students.

To support The Omega, the relaunch party will take place on April 10th on the TRU campus. Refreshments, snacks, live DJ, games, speeches from Sean Brady and Robert McAlaster, as well as speeches from the working students of The Omega, and so much more can be found all in one place. Support your student newspaper by attending the event, find out more by visiting theomega.news, and help bring focus to your student newspaper.

For more information, contact Sydney Fairlie,

sydneyfairlie@gmail.com

As a part of the distribution plan, included are Instagram sites and TRU professors to reach out to, as well as will provide physical copies all around campus. To focus on the student aspect, I’ve centered the distribution around different clubs TRU offers, as well as sports teams. 

I’ve compiled a list of clubs who would share similar interest with the relaunch, i.e. communications, journalism, media, arts, interactive and inclusive clubs. They would receive the press release as well as physical invitations to give to each member to explain the event as a whole. Students who may not be in these clubs who take similar programs would also be aware of the event as most students within these programs know one another.

Clubs

TRU Comedy Club – Jonathan Anguish (president)

trusucomedyclub@gmail.com

TRU F-club – Yash Yadav (president)

trusufclub@gmail.com

TRU Focus Club – Ziipa Kaonga (president)

jtorrans@hotmail.com

TRU Human Rights and Social Justice Club – Kris Middleton and Azade Aria (co-leaders) trumahrsjclub@outlook.com

TRU Journalism and Communications Club – Aibiike Alymova and Anika Peters (co-chairs)

trusujoourcommclub@gmail.com

TRU Marketing Club – Rochell Dsouza (president)

 marketingclubtrusu@gmail.com

TRU Photography Club – Diego Machado (leader)

trusuphotoclub@gmail.com

TRU Podcasting Club – Priyanshu Sachdeva (president)

trusupdcastingclub@gmail.com

TRU Pride Club – Payton Hiebert (president)

 tru.pride.on.campus@gmail.com

These clubs have online presences that can further support the exposure of the event. Digital invitations of the events whereabouts and information will be provided to the clubs in the case that they are willing to post the event on their online pages. In terms of TRU sports teams, I’ve included solely their Instagram pages as these receive the most traction in terms of student engagement who would further receive a digital invite to post.

Instagram

@Gotruwolfpack

@Truwolfpackmvb

@Truwolfpackwvb

@Trumenssoccer

@Truwomenssoccer

@Wolfpackcheer

More Instagram sites that would have interest in the event would further be notified and work with the event coordinators to promote. These Instagram sites focus more so on student living and student life. They promote events that encourage student engagement. I’ve specifically chosen sites from on-campus residences as they could be a primary target audience as they are only footsteps away from where the event itself would take place. Being that there are newer students on campus as well, they may try to find opportunities to meet new students and professors around campus by attending student focused events. With new communications and journalism students as well, it could be important for them to learn about The Omega to become involved with the newspaper in the future.

Instagram

@Trustudentlife

@Trumcgillresidence

@Truwestgate

@Trunorthtower

@Truworld

For in-class engagement, journalism and communications professors will be sent the press release as well as physical handouts to give to the students of their class. A representative may also be sent to their class to give a brief overview of The Omega and explain the purpose of the event.

Professors 

Jennifer Chrumka jchrumka@tru.ca

Shannon Smyrl ssmyrl@tru.ca

Kathleen Sharf kath@tru.ca

Mairi Richter mrichter@tru.ca

Colleen Foucault cfoucault@tru.ca

To spread exposure of the event to the entire campus, posters will be designed to post on billboards, predominantly in science, art, library, nursing, and other buildings. As well, physical invites may be passed around within these buildings, or enticing booths can be set up to properly explain the event and The Omega to passing students. 

As for The Omega site itself, a video or online post can be made to reel in the excitement of the students and properly explain and promote the event. For each Instagram site listed as well, these posts can be sent to them to post on their own Instagram sites to cover all bases in terms of exposure. 

In the case that these promotions don’t reach each student of TRU, local news sources can be contacted to promote the event and bring in extra audiences. These sources would receive the press release and a brief script or audio clip that can be presented on their sites, whether it be radio or news channels. 

Local News Sources

CFJC – Leo Baggio (General Manager)

 kamloops-newsroom@pattisonmedia.com 

Pattison Media – Kevin Gemmell (General Manager)

info@pattisonmedia.com 

(250) 372-3322 

Radio NL – Jenn Dalen-Gordon (General Manager)

info@radionl.com 

nlnews@radiionl.com 

B-100 – Rod Schween (Pattison Media President)

 rod.schween@pattisonmedia.com 

Full Distribution List

Jonathan Anguish

Yash Yadav

Ziipa Kaonga

Kris Middleton

Azade Aria

Aibiike Alymova

Anika Peters

Rochelle Dsouza

Diego Machado

Priyanshu Sachdeva

Payton Hiebert

Jennifer Chrumka

Shannon Smyrl

Kathleen Sharf

Mairi Richter

Collen Foucault

Leo Baggio

Kevin Gemmell

Jenn Dalen-Gordon

Rod Schween

Exercises Go Here

More evidence related to the public relations journey will be seen here. Through posts that complement in-class exercises based on the learnings of public relations, these offer opportunities to showcase the newly acquired skills. These posts will engage critical thinking and highlight new material. From discussing the author to creating small posts, everything in between can be seen here.

Assignments Go Here

This space is used to demonstrate the public relations journey through different types of assignments. Each post will have specific content and will take on different forms of writing, such as press releases, blog posts, fact sheets, and more.

A press release will be submitted to showcase the relaunch of The Omega, Thompson RIver’s University’s official student newspaper. This event marks a new chapter for the newspaper and is expecting to bring in more popularity and awareness.

Looking at important issues arising in British Columbia, the Corporative Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that is already in existence will become highlighted. This allows the for the new found PR skills to be put to use.

Showcasing an organization depicted in a 1968 film, a media kit will be created to combine every asset of public relations into one assignment. A press release, fact sheet, media assets, and communications plan will be used to demonstrate and accomplish sufficient PR skills.