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7. Overall Reflections on the Models
Chan (2001)points out that the UN has been stressing the importance of both enablement and participation as being key to good governance. Senior governments have to give local and regional authorities sufficient power and resources to do a credible job, but then local and regional authorities have to work with the private sector and civil society organizations to democratize urban decision-making and to leverage additional resources. 88
All three models represent good examples of senior government enablement, and all three models have a good track record of encouraging participation by both organizations and individuals. While far from perfect, the models suggest a standard of governance and process that other localities can learn from and adapt.
The Round Table, for its part, has been a catalyst for fostering more collaborative models of governance throughout Canada. It has also been a leading proponent of the federal government playing a strong role in enabling cities to face the challenges confronting them and to become strong catalysts for sustainability. 89