THRIVING IN SASKATCHEWAN -...

T H R I V I N G I NSASKATCHEWANJ O U R N A L

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I N TH IS I SSUE :Cycling in SaskatchewanMain Street PlanningFirst Nations PlanningRegina Planning Fiction Planning Student Submissionsand more...

i SPP I PLANN ING JOURNAL

SPPI COUNCIL

PresidentBill Delainey MCIP RPP

President-ElectJenna Schroeder MCIP RPP

Secretary/TreasurerMauricio Jimenez

Administration & GovernanceJenna Schroeder MCIP RPP

Danny Roy MCIP RPP

Promotions & Public Relations

Melissa Austin MCIP RPPDanae Balogun MCIP RPP

Brittany Shewchuk MCIP RPP

Professional DevelopmentBonnie Gorelitza MCIP RPPEric MacDougall MCIP RPP

Student RepresentativeGenesis Hevia Orio

Membersip CoordinatorSarah Taylor

Executive DirectorMarilyn Steranka

505-2300 Broad StreetRegina, SK

S4P [email protected]

SPPI PLANNING JOURNAL COMMITTEE

Brittany Shewchuk MCIP RPPJonathan Pradinuk

Sheri FlorizoneBen Mario MCIP RPP

Ian GoeresLinda Huynh

Message from the President

Message from the Journal Committee

About the SPPI Planning Journal

The interest and demand for professional planning services continues to expand in both the public and private realms at the local, regional and national level. This increasing demand for planning services has taken today’s planners into new and exciting directions. The diversification of the services provided by and expected from professional planners in today’s society has provided the profession with increased opportunities to play a pivotal role in shaping communities; but has also provided challenges in clearly defining our scope of practice. The profession at a national scale has endeavored to refine our professional scope of practice over this time. This journal represents the ingenuity and creativity of professional planners and planning organizations; demonstrating the breadth of professional skills being utilized by planners in today’s communities and showcases some of the challenges and successes experienced by these professionals.

A lot has happened in the five short months since our inaugural journal issue was released. SPPI and CIP threw one hell of a conference (and party) in beautiful Saskatoon, the Riders managed to win all of three out of 18 football games, and after some welcome hesitation, the snow on the ground signals that winter has finally arrived in our dear province. We also learned of the exciting news that, starting in 2016, SPPI will be joining the Professional Planners Institutes of Manitoba and Alberta, as well representatives from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to produce a joint Tri-PTIA Planning Journal!

Now sadly this means that the SPPI Journal’s short run will soon come to an end. Despite our awareness of this likely fate, the Journal Committee decided, with SPPI’s support, that we would strive to produce one more issue, this issue, and potentially a final addition in the spring of 2016. A few factors that led us to this decision included: First, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the first issue. Second, we were inspired by all the great Saskatchewan-based content at the CIP/SPPI conference, some of which has made its way into this issue (Fix, pg 7). Finally, we genuinely enjoyed reading up on and sharing what great work planners and other professionals are doing across the Province. Like the first, our second issue covers a wide range of topics from grassroots cycling advocacy (Smith & McKnight, pg 3), First Nation planning in Saskatchewan (Urban Systems, pg 10), to some creative fiction that digs deep into the history of Regina’s settlement (Toman, pg 12). We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did.

The Journal Committee is very grateful for the opportunity to work on this short-lived, but ultimately successful publication. We want to thank all authors that submitted their articles. We are looking forward to the Tri-PTIA Planning Journal, where SPPI and its members can continue to showcase, to a larger audience, the advances of our profession and the positive impact it’s having in our communities.

Over the past few years, SPPI’s membership expressed their desire for a Saskatchewan-based planning journal similar to those produced by other CIP provincial affiliates. The SPPI Planning Journal now provides the opportunity for the Saskatchewan planning community to publish original articles about urban and rural planning issues, best practices, and emerging trends in various sectors, fields, and geographic locations across Saskatchewan.

The Journal Committee is interested in any article that would be of value to the planning community. If you have any questions about how to get your article published or if you have any feedback on this issue, or ideas for future issues, please contact the SPPI Journal Committee at [email protected].

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C 0 N T E N T S1 2015 - 2016 SPPI Council Submitted by SPPI Council

3 Prairie Pedalling: The Saskatchewan Cycling Boom Submitted by Lee Smith & James McKnight

7 Creating a Plan of its Plan on Main Street Submitted by Jennifer Fix

9 City of Regina: Planning Education & Outreach Submitted by Sheri Florizone

10 Integrating First Nation Planning in Saskatchewan Submitted by Urban Systems - Saskatoon

12 Planning Fiction: City of Regina, What if? Submitted by Charlie Toman

14 Student Submission: Who Needs Planning? Submitted by Nikolai Kinzel-Cadrin

17 Student Submission: Evaluating Environmental Impact Assessments Submitted by Anastasia Conly

Cover Image Credit: Lee Smith, this page Karen Bolton.

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2015 - 2016 SPPI CouncilSubmitted by SPPI Council

Name: Bill Delainey, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: Fourth Term (2009-2016)Current Position on Council: PresidentCurrently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown: Saskatoon, SKFavorite thing about planning: Collaborating with people on interesting projects.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: Contribute to bringing the CIP realignment to a positive conclusion that results in a national organization which is relevant to SPPI members.

Name: Jenna Schroeder, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: Second term (2013-2018)Current Position on Council: President-ElectCurrently Reside: Regina, SKHometown: Regina, SKFavorite thing about planning: My favourite thing about planning is finding creative solutions to complex problems.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: By the end of the 2015-2016 Council year, I would like to see the Administration and Governance Committee finalize the Council Operations Manual, so future Councils have a roadmap for conducting the affairs of the Institute.

Name: Mauricio JiménezYour term(s) with SPPI Council: First Term (2015-2017)Current Position on Council: Secretary/TreasurerCurrently Reside: Regina, SKHometown: Costa RicaFavorite thing about planning: The great opportunity it gives to everyone to be part of something greater, like the creation of great communities.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: As I am new I don’t really know much about what one can or can’t do, so I would to contribute as much as I can during this term to meet the goals of the Strategic and Operational Plans and learn all I can during the process.

Name: Brittany Shewchuk, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: First Term (2014-2016)Current Position on Council: Co-Chair of Promotions and Public RelationsCurrently Reside: Regina, SKHometown: Winnipeg, MBFavorite thing about planning: Always, always learning new things (daily) as a result of being part of an array of projects, and part of project teams that include members who represent various other disciplines and perspectives. But, I’m really in it for the flow charts.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: Continue to roll with the growth/metamorphosis of the SPPI Planning Journal.

From left to right: Mauricio Jiménez, Melissa Austin, Jenna Schroeder, Danny Roy, Danae Balogun, Bonnie Gorelitza, Bill Delainey, Brtitany Shewchuk, Marilyn Steranka, Eric MacDougall

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Name: Danae Balogun, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: Second Term (2012-2016)Current Position on Council: Co-Chair of Promotions and Public RelationsCurrently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown: Moose Jaw, SKFavorite thing about planning: Collaborating with different professionals from various backgrounds to create inspiring and imaginative places for people. One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: Formalize some of our ‘ad hoc’ processes to make the Insitute more efficient and effective.

Name: Melissa Austin, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: Second Term (2012-2016)Current Position on Council: Co-Chair of Promotions & Public RelationsCurrently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown: Saskatoon, SKFavorite thing about planning: Planning allows me to be creative and at the same time apply structure to growth plans and initiatives. Planning is a dynamic, ever changing field that continually drives me to be better.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: Deliver a great 2016 SPPI Conference in Swift Current, SK!

Name: Eric MacDougall, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: First Term (2015-2017)Current Position on Council: Co-Chair of Professional Development Currently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown(s): Chilliwack/Inuvik/Shilo/Calgary/Melfort Favorite thing about planning: Passing on planning knowledge I’ve obtained over the years to those who are eager to learn. One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: To learn, meaningfully contribute, provide leadership, develop new relationships and suggest potential improvements or new opportunities that would be of benefit to the Institute.

Name: Bonnie Gorelitza, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: Second term (2013-2017) Current Position on Council: Co-chair of Professional DevelopmentCurrently Reside: Martensville, SKHometown: Cudworth, SKFavorite thing about planning: It is always changing and evolving. No two projects are ever the same.One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: To see more professional development opportunities made available for all members including students.

Name: Danny Roy, MCIP RPPYour term(s) with SPPI Council: First Term (2015-2017)Current Position on Council: Administration and GovernanceCurrently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown: Ile-a-La-Crosse, SKFavorite thing about planning: Engaging with various communities across this province to help them prepare for their future. One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: Learn the ins and outs of administration and governance of the Institute – and to have a successful, post-THRIVE provincial conference!

Name: Genesis Hevia-OrioYour term(s) with SPPI Council: First Term (2015-2016) Current Position on Council: SPPI Student RepresentativeCurrently Reside: Saskatoon, SKHometown: Edmonton, ABFavorite thing about planning: My favourite thing about planning is the amount of interdisciplinary collaboration that this field allows. One goal you would like to accomplish for the 2015-2016 SPPI Council Term: I hope to provide sufficient funding options for Usask planning students to attend the 2016 CAPS conference.


Prairie Pedalling:The Saskatchewan Cycling BoomSubmitted by Lee Smith & James McKnight

A glance around the streets of Saskatchewan’s cities these days suggests that cycling is booming. It would appear that more and more Saskatchewanians (nearly half of whom live in either Saskatoon or Regina) are choosing two wheels to get around—and not just for fair-weather recreation or exercise. Once thought of as a last resort or child’s play, it would seem that cycling as a main mode of transportation in three, and even four seasons, is being adopted by locals more widely than ever before.

With cycling for transportation exploding in popularity across North America, Saskatchewan’s cycling surge should come as no surprise. The number of bicycle commuters in the United States increased by 64% from 1990 to 20091, while bicycling for transportation has come to represent the majority of all bicycling activity, from 43% in 2001 to 54% in 20092.

In addition to this, research has found that Canadians cycle on average about three times more than Americans3—a surprising figure on its own—and in 2006, Saskatoon had the second-highest rate of bicycle commuting per capita among Canadian cities, behind only Victoria (Regina placed 16th)4. And in spite of a dip in this local trend in 2011 according to StatsCan, anecdotal observation of Saskatchewan’s multiplying cyclists in recent years leaves one optimistic about upcoming 2016 Census data.

Another reason to be optimistic about the future of cycling in Saskatchewan, and another bit of evidence suggesting an uptick in the interest of cycling generally, is the emergence of citizen-led groups dedicated to promoting it. Three such groups that are leading the charge for two-wheeled transportation at the grassroots level are Saskatoon Cycles, Bike Regina, and the Bridge City Bicycle Co-op. All three of these groups are non-profit volunteer organizations that actively promote cycling in one way or another within their communities.

Saskatoon Cycles is a citizen advocacy group that “advocates for a city in which cycling is a viable, year-round mode of transportation that is safe and convenient for all ages.”5 They are known for hosting numerous events (including Ice Cycle and Bike the Moveable Feasts), making media appearances, educating and promoting safety, and their major public programs and projects. Most notable among these is their very popular bike valet service, which parked 7,500 bicycles at Saskatoon’s numerous

events and festivals last year, and is now facing challenges of high demand.6 Other projects include infrastructural collaborations with the City of Saskatoon such as the recent 23rd Street (and soon to be 4th Avenue) protected bike lane pilot project in the downtown (more on this project later).

A lot has changed about the group’s dynamic since then. No longer seen as the “frustrated fanatics” at City Hall, they are now the respected authority when it comes to cycling. They have a healthy relationship with City Council and Administration, and are given a seat around numerous discussion tables, enabling effective and successful cooperation on many different initiatives and projects. They are the go-to contact for the city’s media organizations, they partner frequently with other grassroots organizations, and have made a credible name for themselves in the community.

Meanwhile in the Queen City, Bike Regina strives to “make cycling to work and school safe, convenient and fun for people of all ages and abilities in Regina. Through

Separated Bike Lane in Saskatoon, Credit: Lee Smith

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partnerships, outreach and events such as Bike to Work Week, [they] will advocate for a better cycling environment that promotes safety, physical activity, health, equity, and environmental sustainability.”7 The group was established in 2009 in direct response to the City of Regina’s request for meaningful input on proposed on-street cycling initiatives. With a “loose membership” of over 1,500, their main goal is simply this: to get more people on their bikes—which is easier said than done. Bike Regina has become a valuable stakeholder in the City’s future planning process, reviewing and commenting on major policy initiatives such as the City’s Official Community Plan and upcoming Transportation Master Plan. The City now works cooperatively with Bike Regina by offering them a seat at the table during early discussions of these projects and others.

To foster this growing relationship, Bike Regina initiated “RAC Rides,” an annual ride between City Council, Administration, Bike Regina, and local bike clubs which offers a tour of the successes and failures of Regina’s cycling initiatives and developments, concluding with a barbecue where all stakeholders can converse in a casual atmosphere outside the confines of City Hall.

However, the “big-C” City is not the only party with whom Bike Regina is involved. With help from the private sector (Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Western Cycles bike shop, and Dream Developments), Bike Regina now has strong support to carry out the various activities which the group provides for the city. This allows them to adopt the mediator role between private and public interest when it comes to cycling.Bike Regina has become a staple participant of various public events such as the Regina Folk Festival, Canada Day celebrations, and a regular at the Regina Farmers Market where they provide education, free “ABC” bike maintenance (air, brakes, and cable), and their own growing bike valet service, which parked over 500 bikes this summer and counting. They also host many fun activities throughout the year, including Sushi Ride, Swimsuit Ride, and Full Moon Ride. Perhaps their most important event, however, is Winter Bike to Work Day, which successfully demonstrates to Council, Administration, and the public at large that cycling is a year-round activity, and that despite less than favourable winter conditions, Reginians still want to bike.

Different from the advocacy-focused Saskatoon Cycles and Bike Regina is the co-operative in Saskatoon known as the Bridge City Bicycle Co-op (BCBC). This registered “non-profit community bicycle repair education and resource co-operative”8 was founded in 2012, originally operating out of a corner space at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. Volunteers would set up bike stands, offer tools and advice, and sell memberships to bike-riding visitors. Soon a relationship was built with the Core

Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC), who possessed a large stockpile of donated bikes needing attention, and the two groups joined forces for a mutually beneficial shop-sharing arrangement. The BCBC and CNYC have been operating in partnership at 905 20th Street West since June of 2014.

Membership in the BCBC has effectively quadrupled in the past two years, with over 200 paid members as of September of this year. Membership buys full access to the shared tools and workspace offered by the co-operative as well as the bike-based knowledge and encouragement provided by its experienced and trained volunteers.Ultimately, the goal of the BCBC is to see more people riding, maintaining, and enjoying bikes. They “help to demystify myths about cycling, such as the danger, difficulty, and length of [trips], while simultaneously promoting the healthy and fun aspects of cycling.”9 They promote accessibility of cycling as transportation through providing “participatory bicycle mechanic education” to all kinds of cyclists and would-be cyclists in Saskatoon, particularly youth. Finally, the Co-op also provides a service for those who are in need of a bike. If someone doesn’t have one and needs one,

Credit: Lee Smith


the BCBC pairs them up with a previously donated bike in need of a tune-up, provides guidance while they work on the bike themselves, and, following either a small “pay-what-you-can” donation or a few hours’ volunteer time, the newly repaired bike is theirs to keep.

Of course, the grassroots cycling goodness doesn’t stop there. Numerous other small groups and independently organized events such as the University of Saskatchewan Cycling Club and the turn-of-the-century themed Tweed Ride round out the casual cycling community in the province.

It must be noted that these groups and events are very distinct from traditional “cycling clubs” more focused on racing and athletics. Saskatchewan is host to nearly two dozen recreational groups according to the Saskatchewan Cycling Association10, many of which have been active for decades. But while these groups are important to Saskatchewan’s growing bicycle culture, they tend not to push for the acceptance of cycling as basic transportation at the grassroots level. Saskatchewan’s cycling activists groups have only really appeared in the last handful of years—and they’ve emerged for a reason.

When asked about their perception of the change in cycling in their cities, representatives of all three groups confirmed without a doubt that interest is growing. Not only are they seeing increasing membership and activity within their organizations, but are witnessing with each passing season that more and more people choose a bicycle to move around in their communities.

Due to this ongoing surge in transportation cycling in urban Saskatchewan, there is a corresponding need for safe, convenient, and connected bicycle infrastructure to support it. If there are going to be more and more “everyday transportation” cyclists in our cities in the coming years, they require their own safe space to do so—because, despite the fact that a bicycle can theoretically be ridden in relative safety on either the road or the sidewalk, neither is desirable. Surveys done across the world, including by the City of Saskatoon itself, confirm that in general, most people would like to cycle for transportation (i.e. to work, to school, to the grocery store and so on) more often if only they could do so safely and comfortably, separate from vehicle traffic and other modes.11

The protected bike lane demonstration project installed in downtown Saskatoon this year, which is to be expanded onto 4th Avenue next year, is an example of a step in the right direction to attract the kind of person who is cautiously interested in giving cycling a try. However, it is only a small step, and it leaves much to be desired—not only physically, but in terms of municipal priority.

Unfortunately, a disconnect remains between how citizens’ lifestyle and transportation habits are changing and the relevant policies, design provisions, and budget allowances made at the local government level. For example, the City of Saskatoon budgeted nearly $30 million for road maintenance in 2015 (33.2% of the total transportation budget), up from $25 million in 2014 and $19 million in 2013. Meanwhile, “bicycle facilities” received only $75,000 in 2015 (0.25% of the money given to road maintenance and just 0.08% of total transportation), and the upcoming Active Transportation Plan—involving more than just cycling—was given $175,000 (0.58% and 0.22% respectively).12

Yet, if 2% of Saskatoon’s residents commuted by bicycle in 2011 according to the National Household Survey—and likely many more in 2015 and beyond—why is only 0.08% of the City’s transportation budget going toward cycling infrastructure?

Cyclists—both here at home and across the globe—are not going away. The evidence discussed above combined with the reality of inevitable energy complications make human-powered transportation more and more enticing each year for increasing

Separated Bike Lane in Saskatoon, Credit: Lee Smith

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Lee Smith, B.A. Honours (Planning), Planner, Crosby Hanna & Associates. Lee is a community planner with Crosby Hanna & Associates in Saskatoon. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan RUP program in 2012 and is seeking MCIP designation this year. He volunteers with Saskatoon Cycles and represents them on the City of Saskatoon Cycling Advisory Group. He is a lifelong cyclist and passionate advocate for safe and enjoyable urban cycling for all ages and abilities.

James McKnight, B.Sc., B.A., Planner II, RM of Corman ParkJames is a Planner II with the RM Corman Park No. 344. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2012 with a B.Sc. Physical Geography and in 2013 from the Regional and Urban Planning (RUP) program and is seeking MCIP designation in 2016. He volunteers with Saskatoon Cycles and is a Board Member, Contest Director, and Advocate for the Right To Skate Foundation; a non-profit volunteer based organization in Saskatoon, raising money to provide skateboard equipment and mentorship programs to disadvantage youth in Saskatchewan. His interests include but are not limited to; urban design/ place making, active transportation, cycling, skateboarding, music, and travel.

numbers of people. Urban Saskatchewan is only going to see more demand for cycling. The question is, will that demand be met by corresponding government action that accommodates more frequent and safer cycling in our cities? Citizens are doing all they can to fill the gaps left by local government, but there’s one thing they can’t do: build a network of safe, separate spaces for people of all ages to ride in comfort.

Thanks to the following representatives for their insight: Sean Shaw, Saskatoon Cycles Cathy Watts, Saskatoon Cycles Luke Nichols, Bike Regina Scott Thomas, City of Regina Stan Yu, Bridge City Bicycle Co-op_________1 Pucher, J. et. al., 2011: http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/analysis-bike-final_0.pdf.2 Pucher, J. et. al., 2011: www.peopleforbikes.org/statistics/category/participation-statistics.3 Buehler, et. al., 2006: http://vtpi.org/pucher_canbike.pdf.4 StatsCan, NHS, 2006: http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/as-sa/99-012-x/2011003/tbl/tbl1b-eng.cfm.5 Mission Statement, SaskatoonCycles.org, retrieved Sept 2015.6 The StarPhoenix, “Demand forces bike valet to scale back”, Sept 15, 2015.7 Mission Statement, BikeRegina.org, retrieved Sept 2015.8 “Membership”, BridgeCityBicycleCoop.com, retrieved Sept 2015.9 Interview with Stan Yu, Co-chair, Bridge City Bicycle Co-op.10 “Clubs”, saskcycling.ca/wp/23-2/, retrieved Sept 2015.11 City of Saskatoon, Active Transportation Plan Spotlight on Cycling, growingfwd.ca/activetransportation, retrieved Sept 2015.12 City of Saskatoon, 2015 Approved Operating and Capital Budget, https://www.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/docu-ments/asset-financial-management/2015_approved_operating_capital_budget.pdf, retrieved Sept 2015.

Want to become a member of SPPI? Visit www.sppi.ca to find out more infomration on what types of memberships are available!

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Creating a Plan of Its Place on Main StreetSubmitted by Jennifer Fix

A Tale of Two TownsMaple Creek, Saskatchewan and Tofino, British Columbia are separated by 2000 kilometers, Canada’s largest mountain range, and two time zones. The former is surrounded by semi-arid prairie, situated squarely in the heart of cowboy country; the latter is perched on the edge of the west coast, bounded by ocean and old-growth rain forest. Maple Creek has a 130-year old history of pioneers, ranchers, and the Northwest Mounted Police, while Tofino’s roots are firmly planted in fisheries, forestry, and the fur trade. The backbone of Maple Creek’s economy continues to be ranching and farming, whilst Tofino’s is increasingly centred in tourism.

Although these communities are two very different places, in many ways they share more commonalities than differences. Both are small towns, home to just over 2000 residents. Both are wonderfully isolated, providing for a strong sense of arrival and unique sense of place (without the dismal big box alleys that increasingly connect larger urban centres with nearby towns-turned-suburbs). Both enjoy strong relationships characterized by mutual respect and cooperation with their First Nation neighbours. Both have a rich history, manifested in the built realm where vestiges of the past abound in heritage buildings and streetscapes. And both see the potential and unparalleled opportunities presented by their Main Streets in strengthening the vibrancy and prosperity of their towns.

In recent years, these communities underwent “Main Street” planning processes that culminated in award-winning plans to guide decision-making for built form, open space, mobility, and more. Maple Creek’s process was completed in 2012, and has since seen several new storefront upgrades, new businesses, and new jobs. Tofino’s process was completed just over one year ago, but implementation projects are already underway.

While these two places are quite different – the planning processes were tailored to the unique needs of each community – they shared a common, place-based approach to the planning process.

Creating A Plan of Its PlaceOrganic farmer and poet Wendell Berry wisely advised: “Stay away from anything that obscures the place it is in. There are no unsacred places. There are only sacred places, and desecrated places.” As planners and urban designers, we tend to rely on established principles of “good” design. In turn, we often apply them universally and unquestionably in communities of all shapes and sizes. While there is certainly a “patterned language” of design that is shared among some of Canada’s most cherished neighbourhoods, the Main Street processes in both Maple Creek and Tofino demonstrated the importance of approaching place-making with fresh eyes and open ears.

Community Engagement in Maple Creek’s Main Street, Credit: Darcy Dietrich

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Planning for Place in TofinoAs a Vancouver-based consultant arriving on Tofino’s Main Street for the first time, I saw a wide waterfront street overwhelmed with parking. There were no sidewalks. There were no street trees. There was no discernible, cohesive character to its buildings. My knee-jerk reaction was to advise that the Town scale back greatly on parking, add sidewalks on both sides of the street, plant street trees, and develop built form guidelines to ensure consistent future development. After spending much time in the community speaking with locals – which included using film as a tool to collect stories from long time residents – I learned more about this place.

I learned that Main Street is the gateway to Tofino (and all of its groceries and services) for First Nations people living on the neighbouring islands, all of whom arrive by boat. I heard from them that they had “parked their canoes here for thousands of years”, so who was I to suggest that they find some other place to park their cars? I learned that distinct pedestrian areas were desired among residents and business owners; however, traditional and expensive urban sidewalks were not. I learned that the idea of planting street trees was a laughable notion: why would we want to plant anything that obscures the stunning views of the old growth trees in the distance? And I learned that the lack of cohesion in architectural character was viewed as an asset. The

buildings were as eclectic as the artists, former hippies, fisherman, and surfers who live on Main Street.

So, my team and I created a plan of its place. We developed a parking strategy that didn’t reduce the amount of parking on Main Street, but we found ways to separate it from pedestrian areas. We didn’t design for sidewalks, but we designed for cheap, playful painted pedestrian routes and wooden boardwalks. We didn’t plant street trees, but we designed for street furniture and lookout points in which people could linger and take in the view. We didn’t create architectural guidelines, but we did provide design guidance to protect the scale, heritage, and eclectic qualities of Main Street’s built form.

Planning for Place in Maple CreekIn Maple Creek, investment had been earmarked for public realm improvements as part of the provincially funded Main Street Program. In looking for an ideal location for such improvements, I gravitated toward a continuous stretch of small-scale shops. One such shop was a café that sold lattes, best enjoyed from the vantage point of a chair on the sidewalk. I was thrilled to find this little piece of urbanism in rural Saskatchewan. Watching the ballet of public life before me, I mused to my colleague that this stretch of storefronts could be the ideal candidate for the limited program funding.

Before

After

Rendering by Matthew Thomson, DIALOG

Tofino’s Main Street: Before & After Conditions, Credit: DIALOG Design


I was wrong. As a city-dweller, what I didn’t know was that there is one building in small-town Saskatchewan that sees more daily foot traffic than anywhere else. This is the post office. My client, Royce Pettyjohn, Main Street Coordinator, once had an office in the second floor of the historic post office near the end of the main street. He observed that everyone in town stops there to collect their mail – usually daily – and they often linger on the expansive front steps to chat and catch up on town news with neighbours. For Royce, this was an identifiable heart and obvious choice for doing something special in the public realm.

The hundreds of residents who participated in the engagement process agreed. So, we created a plan of its place. Working with a heritage architect, we identified ways to restore historic elements on the building’s façade, and we created a public realm design for the corner next to the post office. Since then, it has become home to raised garden beds, an arbour, and public seating. It has become a focal point for street parties, community festivals, and parades. It has genuinely activated this stretch of Main Street.

ConclusionIn Maple Creek and Tofino, creating a plan of its place required that planners genuinely listen to residents – the people whose lives have shaped and are shaped by these places. Public engagement can sometimes be a box that is checked, either legislatively or in order to obtain social license to impose change on residents. However engagement can and should be so much more. If we planners listen with curiosity, we can glean insights from the wisdom that exists in every community, and create plans that respect the uniqueness that makes each place special.

Jennifer Fix, Associate Senior Planner, DIALOG DesignJennifer Fix studied urban planning at the University of British Columbia ten years ago, and has since worked on city building projects of all shapes and sizes across Canada. She is an Associate and Senior Planner at DIALOG, an integrated design firm based in Vancouver, where she works on plans that range from master plans to Official Community Plans. Jennifer is originally from the great province of Saskatchewan, and she loves spending time on the prairies for work and for pleasure.

City of Regina: Planning Education & OutreachSubmitted by Sheri FlorizoneThe City of Regina recently made their mark on the landscape of city planning education with two videos about the planning process in Regina. The four-minute “City Planning” videos briefly cover two topics: the planning process in Regina, and how residents can engage in that process. The videos are posted on the newly restructured City Planning section of the City of Regina website (Regina.ca/cityplanning).

The videos differ from the offerings of other planning education programs in that they are posted online and completely free to the general public. The videos are a snapshot of information about planning that other cities take hours to explain through in-person seminars. Only a few cities in Western Canada appear to offer planning seminars to the general public. The City of Calgary, in partnership with the Federation of Calgary Communities, offers a certificate program with three core courses and one elective. The City of Edmonton has a similar course offering through their Planning Academy. The City of Saskatoon has offered sessions to their residents in the past, but now focus more on bringing planning programming into schools at the elementary level.

The City of Regina is piloting a planning education seminar in partnership with the Regina Public Library. This session gives participants a chance to delve a bit further into the planning realm. If the session is well received, the City may consider moving in the direction of its counterparts in Western Canada with a variety of seminars about different facets of city planning.

Sheri Florizone, B.A. (Geography), Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, City of ReginaSheri Florizone has a BA in Geography from the University of Regina. She has been involved in education and outreach initiatives at the City of Regina for 12 years. Sheri has been involved in the CIP Healthy Communities Subcommittee for the past two years.

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Integrating First Nation Planning in SaskatchewanSubmitted by Urban Systems, Saskatoon

The essence of community planning is naturally ingrained in First Nations culture. Traditionally, First Nation communities strategically chose their settlements based on the availability of resources and the ability of the land to meet their need for sustenance, shelter and ceremony. Many First Nation communities today approach planning holistically, usually with an emphasis on ecological well-being.

Recent growth and economic gains experienced in Saskatchewan have had wide spread positive effects on communities of all sizes. A number of First Nation communities have shared in this provincial prosperity and are motivated to actively participate in the economy. As a result, there has been a growing interest between municipal and First Nation governments to engage in partnerships and grow together.

Furthermore, regional planning has become a priority for Saskatoon, Regina and their surrounding communities. The Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth brings together the City of Saskatoon, R.M. of Corman Park, City of Martensville, Town of Osler, City of Warman, and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority to collaborate on a regional approach to economic factors that could affect local development. This initiative holds tremendous economic potential for First Nation communities with both rural and urban land holdings within the Saskatoon North Partnership for Growth region. The City of Regina and surrounding communities are also formulating a

regional growth strategy with hopes of reducing the financial burden of development on taxpayers and increasing chances of gaining government funding for projects. These collaborative approaches to planning are also being pursued by a number of municipalities and First Nation communities across the province.

Opportunity for partnership is just one of the many reasons why First Nation communities are motivated to establish formal planning mechanisms. There are also instances where nations manage large land bases and want to prepare themselves for investment by establishing policy to support development and promote economic development initiatives. First Nation communities that align their planning policy with that of neighbouring municipalities have experienced success in establishing growth partnerships. Other nations have experienced rapid growth and want to establish planning measures to ensure that their community grows in a sustainable manner. In contrast, there are nations that have been stagnant for many years and want to pursue opportunities for positive change. Change in socioeconomic conditions is also a major driver behind the development of formal planning mechanisms.

In order to establish planning policy, a number of Saskatchewan First Nations have opted out of the 34 land-related sections of the Indian Act, made possible by the First Nations Land Management Act. Under the Act, nations are able to develop land codes, pass and enforce laws, and establish Credit: Urban Systems - Saskatoon


relationships with provincial and municipal governments. When a nation is able to self-govern their lands and resources, they can prepare for economic development opportunities should they arise.

First Nation community plans are built from the ground up. Plans are unique in that they are driven by the community, built by the community and founded upon significant engagement with members. Often times, plans are not bounded by geography as they not only cover main reserve lands but other holdings that in many cases are scattered across the entire province. As a result, planning policy documents created by nations must encompass the needs of membership located both on and off reserve, which can differ in a multitude of socioeconomic and demographic ways.

A variety of community planning initiatives are currently being undertaken by First Nations in Saskatchewan including:

• Community Development Plans;• Economic Development Plans;• Land Use Plans;• Zoning Bylaws;• Servicing Agreements;• Development Levies; and• Land Laws.

Community Development Plans have supported a number of nations in improving quality of life and evolving their communities into places where people want to live, work and invest. Nations are interested in exploring development opportunities for specific land holdings and have engaged in economic development land planning initiatives. Land management tools such as land use plans and zoning bylaws enable developments to be initiated. These tools create transparent guides to strong development practices, and give developers peace of mind as they pursue projects. Nations are interested in creating familiar territory for developers to enable them

to work with the same processes as they would in any other city or town.

Cost sharing through municipal servicing agreements between municipalities and First Nations for such developments has concurrently become common place. Development levies are another mechanism that First Nation communities are interested in implementing to help cover costs associated with servicing land for development. The development of market housing for purchase by band members as well as the general public is an example of where these planning tools have successfully been implemented. Land development has offered a multitude of opportunities for First Nations to offer products and services to the public and reinvest profits into their communities.

Laws that enforce taxes and regulate property ownership have also come as a result of self-governance. Taxation powers of Aboriginal governments apply within reserves and settlement lands and offer communities the opportunity to generate own-source revenues from which they can invest directly back into programs, services, or development initiatives in the community. Matrimonial Real Property Laws protect individuals who live on reserve during a relationship, in cases of relationship breakdowns or a death of a spouse or common law partner.

These policy examples are only a sample of the many successful measures nations have taken to self-govern their lands. Forward thinking nations who have taken the initiative to establish formal planning policy have the potential to improve their community as a whole and ensure prosperity for generations to come. As Saskatchewan continues to grow and prosper, opportunities for partnership and development between First Nation communities and municipalities will become even more apparent.

Credit: Urban Systems - Saskatoon

Urban Systems Ltd. is one of Western Canada’s leading interdisciplinary consulting firms. Founded in 1975, Urban Systems is an employee-owned company, offering a broad range of planning and community development expertise, management consulting, and planning experience. In the summer of 2013, Urban Systems established their professional practice in Saskatchewan and have been fortunate to work with a variety of communities in the province, including nearly 20 First Nation communities, as they address issues relating to growth, economic development, and sustainable service delivery. The collaboration Urban Systems has with First Nations communities is an integral part of our professional practice and, as a result, Urban Systems has developed a core team of passionate and dedicated professionals who serve these communities.

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PLANNING FICTION The City of Regina, What if?Submitted by Charlie Toman

Great job opportunities brought my partner and I to Regina from southern Ontario a year ago. I had never been to Regina before, and I admit that I knew very little besides it being the provincial capital, home of the Roughriders and being very, very flat. A year later, I know that there is much more to Regina. I appreciate how open and friendly people are here, making the transition to living in a new City easier than I had imagined. However, as soon as we got here and began to explore the City, the same question would pop into my mind, “Why the heck would anyone decide to build a capital city here?” Besides Wascana Creek there are no natural features to speak of, it isn’t at the intersection of two major railroads and it would make a horrible military Fort.

Following a quick search on Wikipedia, I found out what most people from Regina already knew; the answer lay with one man, Lt. Governor Edgar Dewdney, and one reason, money. After Prime Minster John A. MacDonald appointed Dewdney as Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories in 1881, one of Dewdney’s first tasks was to select a new location, a territorial capital from Battleford near the planned Canadian Pacific Railway line. In a clear conflict of interest, he selected Wascana Creek where he owned considerable real estate. This highly dubious selection didn’t go unnoticed by the national media. Here is a quote from one of the more colourful editorials of the day in the Winnipeg Free Press.1

“Regina will never amount to anything more than a country village or town, for the simple reason that in neither its position, nor its surroundings, is there anything to give it the slightest commercial importance. Situated in the midst of a vast plain of inferior soil, with hardly a tree to be seen as far as the eye can range, and with about enough water in the miserable creek known as Pile of Bones to wash a sheep, it would scarcely make a respectable farm, to say nothing of being fixed up on as the site or the capital of a great province. The place has not a single natural advantage to commend it.”

At first, this history didn’t really bother me too much. These were frontier times after all. Besides, Regina’s founders did a great job transforming the landscape from a featureless field to an attractive City with the creation of Wascana Lake and beautiful tree canopy. Then I drove through the Qu’Appelle Valley and saw that there were hills, rivers, lakes and naturally growing trees only a 25 minute drive north of Regina. Damn you, Dewdney!

Being a fan of alternative fiction novels and films, I started to imagine an alternative universe where the first Prime Minister didn’t appoint a self-interested and vision-less individual as Lieutenant Governor. I imagined a universe where the North-West Territories Capital was located in Fort Qu’Appelle, a site that was considered at that time.

What would the City look like? Would it be larger or smaller than the Regina I live in today? What kind of challenges would it have?

Photo of Wascana Creek west of Pinkie Road. The North-West Territories was over 5,000,000 km in area at the time and this was chosen as the location for its Capital. Photo taken September 17, 2015, Credit: Charlie Toman.

Sir Edgar Dewdney, Source: Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan.


After visiting Fort Qu’Appelle, here is my initial time line of that fictitious city. I’ll call it City Planning fan fiction, take it as you may. • Fort Qu’Appelle would quickly outgrow the valley during the

Saskatchewan’s population boom of the early 1900s, leading to the construction of many mid-rise apartment blocks, making it one of more dense Canadian cities of the time. However, to accommodate the boom, housing would quickly spread to the lands south of the valley in a typically grid pattern.

• While there would be no 1912 Cyclone, massive floods and mudslides would result in considerable damage during the City’s early years.

• The Saskatchewan Legislative building would be located near the southern slope of the valley south of Echo Lake. It would be considerably smaller than the one we have today.

• In the 1910’s Fort Qu’Appelle first Master Plan establishes a new commercial centre of the City south of the valley. By the 1970s, this new downtown will consist of the majority of Regina’s office towers, a large shopping mall and many surface parking lots, while the old downtown will fall into decay.

• This Plan would also direct all heavy industrial and manufacturing lands along to the north of Mission Lake, so that pollution is directed down wind and stream from residential lands.

• One of the major ‘make-work’ projects of the great depression is a funicular with beautiful art-deco stations between Downtown to the Legislative buildings.

• As Fort Qu’Appelle grows there is mounting tension between the City and the Pasqua and Standing Buffalo First Nations. This comes to a head in the early 1960s when the City starts planning a ring road and by-pass around the old Downtown and the Federal Government moves to expropriate Treaty 4 Reserve lands without compensation, leading violent protests and civil unrest. These tensions would continue for decades; however, by the late 1990s the City and surrounding First Nation bands would agree to a joint planning and servicing framework that would serve as a model for other municipalities across Canada.

• In the 1960s, as part of the counter culture movement (and to avoid paying property taxes), a community of people would begin to live year round in houseboats on Echo Lake.

Fort Qu’Appelle Today - Looking south along Echo Lake. Photo taken September 19, 2015, Credit: Charlie Toman

Applying the revisionist history to Fort Qu’Appelle today, Source: Mabel, Joe (2013).

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Charlie Toman, B.E.S., MPlan, MCIP, RPP, Senior City Planner, City of ReginaCharlie is a Senior City Planner for the City of Regina in the Neighbourhood Planning Branch where his responsibilities include the monitoring and evaluation of the City’s Housing Incentive Policy and implementation of the City’s Intensification Strategy. Originally from Waterloo, Ontario, Charlie has worked as a professional planner for over 10 years in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. His previous planning work experience includes the coordination of Downtown and Brownfield revitalization programs, heritage planning and the review of development proposals. Charlie holds an honours degree in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s Degree in Rural Planning from the University of Guelph. He is a Registered Professional Planner and member of the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute.

• By the early 1990s, efforts to revitalize old downtown would begin, leading to the cleanup of the waterfront and rapid gentrification of the medium rise housing built in the early 1900s.

• Fort Qu’Appelle would be seen as more desirable than Saskatoon. As a result, Fort Qu’Appelle’s population reaches 300,000 in 2015.

• Dewdney Avenue does not exist.

_________1 City of Regina. A Brief History of Regina: Over a Century of Prairie Prog-ress. Retrieved from https://www.regina.ca/opencms/export/sites/regina.ca/residents/residents-regina-facts/.media/pdf/brief_history_brochure.pdf.

STUDENT SUBMISSION Who Needs Planning? Bridging the Gap Between Practice and PerformanceSubmitted by Nikolai Kinzel-CadrinGoverning bodies, as a concept, are established to ensure the entire population has equal opportunity to succeed; however this is not the case in practice. Planning has emerged as a profession that bridges society and politics, with the goal of ensuring public interests are met regarding the development of cities. The role of planning as a profession has been disputed; author Richard Klosterman outlines the gap between planning’s potential and its performance in works like, “Arguments for and Against Planning.” He acknowledges that there is a need for public sector planning to provide social functions, but also that there is dissension on whether planning is more advantageous than letting the market reign supreme. This article will review Klosterman’s work, and argue that planning is necessary to guide economic development, analyze past practices to inspire forward thinking, and to ensure human life on Earth is sustainable.

Klosterman’s comparative analysis in “Arguments for and Against Planning” breaks down four major arguments: Economic, Pluralist, Traditional, and Neo-Marxist, outlining the benefits and liabilities of planning in each category. For the first argument, an economy left to be defined by the market should efficiently allocate resources and encourage entrepreneurship; however, without effective planning the social costs and negative externalities to society are typically ignored. The Pluralist perspective for planning outlines argues that contemporary planning should represent a wide range of values that are currently being neglected by groups representing narrow interests; however, current political

bodies are already elected with the intention to best serve the public, so planning is not needed. Traditional arguments for planning revolve around an independent body promoting collective public interest in policy making; the argument against is that current practices promote the elites of the community. Finally, the Marxist perspective argues that collective interests need to be represented through centralized planning, and bring to light oppression of capitalism; but contemporary planning promotes capitalist interests. The article concludes with an “Implicit consensus about the need for public sector planning to perform four vital social functions: promoting common interests, considering the external effects of actions, improving the information case for decision making, and considering distributional effects of public and private sectors”.1 Klosterman notes that all four perspectives advocate for planning in theory, but each acknowledge that planning’s actual performance has fallen short of its potential

The current economic situation of cities, specifically in North America, has evolved around capitalist principles. Governments have been tasked with managing economic development, and currently, cities are in dire need of planning initiatives. The best example of how planning is essential to the economy is by analyzing current property valuing practices, and demonstrating that if continued, every city following this system will be bankrupt. Pamela Blais outlines in her book “Perverse Subsidies” that cities of North America are going to face multi-billion dollar costs to repair infrastructure, the result of a backwards


economic system set up by government. With housing prices reflecting development costs, the people living in the established areas of cities are subsidizing the more expensive suburban development being constructed. Properties are priced based on cost of development, and neglect the life cycle costs (servicing, maintaining, replacing) so developers can maximize profit. Now cities are facing billions of dollars of expenses to repair infrastructure, a cost that was neglected during the time of development; and one that could have been avoided if planning measures were made at the time of development that included life-cycle costs.2

Planning is also necessary to manage public goods in an effective manner. If left to the market, certain public goodsthat are a low priority to society will likely be under provided (e.g. environmental protection), whereas popular public goods such as television risk being over funded. Negative externalities of business can also be managed by planning efforts. Implementing economic incentives and introducing social planning initiatives to limit negative externalities (pollution, noise, smell etc.) will benefit society. In order for the economy to properly reflect society’s collective best interests, planning is fundamental; ensuring that community well being is the priority, providing incentives to invest in redevelopment, and establishing economic practices that do not handcuff sustainable development as essential for a city to flourish.

For a city to develop sustainably, there needs to be long-term systematic development strategies. The history of successful cities offers analysis on best practices, and introduces some of the tools used by planners to create vibrant civilizations. For

example, direct government investment was first used to help remedy the slum situation in London in the late nineteenth century; and at the same time in New York City, planning initiatives created the first development regulations. Both of these cases were some of the first social planning techniques designed to increase quality of life. Other examples of tools created by planners that have directly affected development are land-use zoning and new urbanism. Zoning has helped cities achieve a more cohesive environment, and was adopted largely in response to the separated land uses that was a product of automobiles. The new urbanist movement is one of the most recent planning initiatives aimed to promote pedestrian accessibility. By examining the past, planners quickly realized that the current priority placed on automobiles is not a sustainable practice; instead the focus should be on pedestrian and transit orientated development. By examining the past, and using and adapting tools previously applied by planners, the practice and profession of planning can evolve with the dynamic changes in society to create healthy cities that will stand the test of time.

Lastly, contemporary planning is essential to preserve the environment and ensure that developments are sustainable. As mentioned before, environmental protection is a public good that is a low priority of the marketplace, and if the market was left to allocate public goods it would be insufficient or forgotten. Planning recognizes the relationship between the environment and the economy. They are interrelated in the sense that if one is neglected, the affects are conversely reflected in the other. Environmental issues are currently a hot topic, as negative affects of human production and consumption are causing climate

Credit: Karen Bolton

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Credit: Karen Bolton

change. Planning is the tool that coordinates the environment and economy through thoughtful policy initiatives and plans. Humans have the responsibility to ensure that life on Earth is as sustainable as possible, which means changing the way people think and live regarding consumerism and convenience. Planning is needed to identify and meet the public’s best interests and develop long-term plans that conserve the environment and place emphasis on sustainable practices.

As outlined above, systematic public planning is essential for society to function equitably and efficiently. In order to ensure that the economy fairly distributes public goods, planning policy has to be made taking into consideration social costs and long-term externalities. Policies must be made to correct property prices, so they reflect the life cycle costs. Planning is also important because as a practice, it can evolve along with changing times, circumstances, and preferences. Klosterman did raise an important point about the discrepancy between planning’s potential and its performance; however, without planning the world

would be much worse off, with segments of the population dictating society’s priorities. Irreversible effects of profit maximization, political agendas, and environmental degradation would happen if the market was left to determine how economic, political, and social needs are met. Planning is needed to mediate among the ridged structures of economic, political, and social bodies and the public to promote a higher quality of life through advocating for humanities best interests and common good. _________1 Klosterman, Richard. “Arguments for and against Planning.” The Town Planning Review 56, no. 1 (1985): 5-20.2 Blais, Pamela. “Preverse Subsidies, Preverse Cities.” In Perverse Cities: Hidden Subsidies, Wonky Policy, and Urban Sprawl, 221-238. Vancou-ver: UBC Press, 2011.

Nikolai Kinzel-Cadrin, 4th Year RUP Student, University of SaskatchewanNikolai has specialized in the Communities and Development stream for his undergraduate degree and is looking to pursue grad school upon completion. He plans on traveling around the world for a few months after graduating, to bring a global context to my graduate studies.


Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) predicts the environmental effects of various projects or initiatives before they are carried out. EIA’s identify the potentially adverse effects on the environment, how these effects can be moderated, and continuously seeks to improve the relationship between the initiative, project and/or development with the environment. In Canada, the EIA’s are enforced through the Environmental Assessment Act, providing guidelines and policies that must be adhered to in order to prevent irreversible and significant degradation of the environment. Ultimately the objective of an EIA is to consider and incorporate the environment into the decision making process and to minimize or all together avoid negative effects on the environment. Unfortunately an EIA can be conducted with too narrow a focus if only the environment is considered, true sustainable practices must integrate the assessment of the environment the economy and society to fully estimate the impacts a project or initiative will have on the geography (both human and physical) of a region.

EIAs can be useful tools for development when utilized in an effective matter. If implemented and properly mandated EIAs can prevent project delays, external costs, short and long term environmental damage, and can also promote community and public engagement with a given initiative. However current methods of EIAs consider alternative designs as opposed to alternative approaches and can have limiting effects

on the environment and project outcome.1 There are several limiting factors to the typical approach taken in an EIA that prohibits the agency from meeting their particular objectives. Various assessment reports demonstrate a systematic and often objective approach in the conducting of an EIA, such as the methodologies taken in Nasen’s, Bram’s and Johnstone’s research on the effects of the oil and gas sites on the grassland ecosystems, which primarily outline the physical effects of the project sites. However, many projects requiring an EIA have significant effects on not only the environment but on the immediate public being affected by the project. EIAs are severely limited when the public consultation process does not take place early enough in the planning process and does not continue throughout the development and monitoring of the process. EIA require scientific objective, quantitative research as well as subjective quantitative data from public consultation and community involvement to appropriately assess and determine effective alternative designs and approaches to meet the needs of the agency, developer and affected community.

Government agencies decide when an impact assessment is required based on whether a project meets the regulations outlined by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and that the project proponent’s environmental impact statement (EIS) satisfies all provincial and federal policy requirements.2 Environmental Impact Assessments can be enforced

by government agencies if there is evidence that a project may cause adverse affects to the environment, that potential accidents malfunctions or routine procedures of the project may impact the surrounding environment, landscape or community, or if public concerns are presented in the application and planning process of a given project.3 Government agencies follow a procedure in order to determine the need for an EIA. The first step in determining a projects need for environmental assessment is a review of the project description and its proposed alternatives followed by a careful screening of the project to see that it meets the regulations and guidelines present required. The agency is then responsible for the identification of key issues and limitations including baseline conditions and scoping for alternative actions. The agency must also provide a prediction of the environmental impacts and significance the project will have and a mandate for the appropriate management of those impacts. After the agency has evaluated the conditions of the project the initiative is then released to public review and the final decision making process. Finally, the project is implemented and the agency outlines requirements for the continual data collection and review to maintain policies outlined in the EIA.

There are various approaches when conducting an EIA, the most successful of which adopt a holistic and integrated method of assessment. Typical EIA approaches focus strictly on finite affects from a

STUDENT SUBMISSION Evaluating Environmental Impact Assessment:an Integrated Approach to Project PlanningSubmitted by Anastasia Conly

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bottom-up approach without evaluating the total effects on the “big picture”.4 Synthesizing the various strengths of different methodologies would account for a more sufficient EIA approach. Agencies should integrate environmental, economic and geographical (both human and physical) assessments analyzing the effect on each both individually and together. Understanding the effects a project has not only on the environment but also on the local economy, quality of life, and on the local demographic provides stronger prediction of a projects role within the region if implemented, and gives clearer evidence for guidelines and restriction that should be mandated and enforced. A more suitable alternative would consist of a Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) focusing on the triple bottom line; economic, social and environmental sustainability. The adoption of the SIA would more adequately account for the missing social and economic considerations of the standard EIA approach.

Project delays and limited public consultation often result from the tendency of EIA’s to not be pre-emptive in their administration. Public consultations and community engagement are often the most crucial and informative aspect of an assessment providing subjective information that cannot be quantified through the physical data surveying typically collects. Further, the public can provide in depth information based on their local knowledge of the land and of the community that may be vital both in the development and future

management of a project. Various adverse social implications can be avoided by instigating community engagement as early as possible in an initiative. EIAs tend to drop off on public engagement once the project begins rolling, it is important that agencies maintain engagement into the future along with continual evaluation and management of the impacts and affects of the project. Instead of public review acting as a step in the procedure of an EIA it would be far more effective both socially and for the environment if engagement were an ongoing and continual aspect of the process as opposed to a stage. It is important the EIA also assess an initiatives potential affect on the economic sustainability of the community or region surrounding the project site. Further the adoption of a fully integrative approach to the conducting of an EIA is vital in order to effectively consider the adverse effects on the social wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by the projects implementation both in the short and long term.

_________1 Steinemann, Anne. “Improving Alternatives for Environmental Impact Assess-ment.” Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 2000, 3-21.2 Draper, Dianne, and He Savard. Our Environment: A Canadian Perspective. 4th ed. Australia: Nelson Thomson Learning, 2002. Pg 422.3 “Home - Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.” Government of Canada, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. March 25, 2015. Accessed July 12, 2015.4 Vizayakumar, K., and Pratap K.j. Mohapatra. “Environmental Impact Analysis: A Synthetic Approach.” Long Range Planning, 1991, 102-06.

References

Nasen, Lawrence C., Bram F. Noble, and Jill F. Johnstone. “Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Lease Sites in a Grassland Ecosystem.” Journal of Environmental Management, 2011, 195-204.

Anastasic Conly, 4th Year RUP Student, University of SaskatchewanAnastasia is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Regional and Urban Planning at the University of Saskatchewan. She is working towards the Environmental Planning and Management Stream within the program. After graduation she hopes to travel, gaining personal experience of diverse communities and cultures from around the world before achieving her RPP designation.

SASKATCHEWANP R O F E S S I O N A L P L A N N E R S I N S T I T U T E

SPPI

Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute

505-2300 Broad StreetRegina, SKS4P 1Y8

Phone: (306) 584 - 3879Email: [email protected]

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