The Scoping Framework, developed in May and June 2009, was intended to provide public review of the shape of the process, as it was being developed between the consultant team and City staff. In order to protect the confidentiality of contract negotiations, the Framework only outlines what is to be done throughout the process, without assigning responsibility for specific tasks.

The broad shape of the plan's process, as created by the Scoping Framework, is:

• Phase 1: Preparing to plan
• Phase 2: Vision & plan framework
• Phase 3: The Comprehensive Plan

The Scope Framework also laid out three broad themes for the process:

• Community Engagement
• Sustainability
• Implementation

The Scoping Framework was approved by City Council on July 23.