1. - A look at Municipal Government -
Town Building
- A look at Municipal Government -

2. Today’s Task
We will be concentrating on problem solving, values, beliefs and the common good (all concepts what we’ve looked at already!).
You will have to work as a member of a team to design a town with specific characteristics.
Think about all of the parties that will have a say in the town. Will you ever make everyone happy?

3. Stage 1 Each group is required to draw the following:
A large river leading to a lake
A forest
A small creek leading to the river
A grassland area

4. Stage 2 Add the following:
A town with roadways accommodating 2,000 people
Town roads
2 schools
Farms to feed the townspeople with an irrigation source
A road(s) leading to town and farms
Water station
**Note – if you needed to change something you will need to colour overtop of what you have already. Your group is essentially a town council responsible for the town, it is assumed that you will rework your town plan**

5. Stage 3 Important Information:
The town has grown over 10 years, the population is now 10,000 people
People are now complaining about pesticide fears in the water supply, do you need to change your design?
Add the following:
A park large enough for 2 ball diamonds, 2 ice rinks, 2 soccer fields
Hospital
Chemical factory in need of water supply and roads to get there
2 more farms with irrigation

6. Stage 4 Important information:
There are increased pressures from the townspeople regarding industry. People needs jobs to survive!
The town has grown to 20,000 people with approximately 5,000 people working at the factory
Add the following:
Create a wildlife refuge which takes up ¼ of the map, border off the property with a solid line. This is because of a fear of loss to the natural environment
The factory wishes to expand to accommodate 2,000 new hires. Expand the plant or choose not to.
A new highway has been approved through your region. Where will you put it? The refuge is acceptable

7. Stage 4 Ramifications
The factory has threatened to close down if you don’t allow them to expand
If you put your highway through the refuge  the deer population has shrunk because of the highway separating the population
Do you now need to alter your town plan?

8. Stage 5 Present your map to the class
You may wish to draw a “good copy” of your map before your presentation.
You need to explain why you chose to build where you did and what problems you faced with each new demand.

9. Activity Discussion
What were the different interests, values and beliefs that existed in the town? Explain with reference to difference stages of the activity and the decisions you made.
Did you try to make everyone “happy”? Were you successful at this? Why or why not?
How do people with different interests, values and beliefs make it difficult for governments to work effectively? What steps can be taken to ensure that everyone is treated equitably?