Implementing sustainable development policies at the municipal level: Identification of strategies for overcoming barriers.

摘要

It is widely recognized that patterns of human manipulation and exploitation of natural resources coupled with mass consumption of energy, has resulted in serious damage to the natural environment and have reduced the capacity for this planet to support human life. It is hypothesized that the implementation of sustainable development policies, at the municipal level of government, is an effective approach to reducing human consumption of energy and natural resources, and protecting the natural environment. Unfortunately there is little evidence yet to suggest that municipal policies, in the area of energy reduction, and practices relating to sustainable development, have been implemented in any consistent manner in the City of Chilliwack, British Columbia. In order to determine the barriers that limit the implementation of energy reduction (an indicator of sustainable development) policies, and the role of the planner in addressing the barriers, the research involved individual interviews with municipal planners, engineers, Directors, Chief Administrative Officer's (CAO), and municipal politicians from the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. The results of the research identified a variety of barriers to implementing sustainable development policy within the municipal context, and that there is opportunity for the municipal planner to take an active role in addressing these barriers. Based on the results of the research findings, seventeen suggestions for future action are recommended, and are organized into two major sections: General Recommendations, and Municipal Recommendations. These recommendations offer the City of Chilliwack a starting point to implementing sustainable development and improving quality of life for the generations of today and tomorrow.