Food systems planning in coastal BC communities

Planning for sustainable and resilient local food systems is a persistent concern for many coastal communities. This research compared food systems planning and integration in two coastal communities in British Columbia to investigate strategies to foster integrated food systems planning. The case studies focused on the place-specific features unique to the Sechelt Peninsula and the Squamish Valley that provide obstacles to and opportunities for integrated food system planning. This work identified and assessed strategies to enhance local food systems using a qualitative case study approach. Research methods included document analysis and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with representatives of local non-profit organizations, municipal and regional government, municipal and regional planners, food producers, and institutional food systems experts. The research objective was to improve understanding of how geographic isolation influences food systems planning. The thesis identifies and recommends strategies to enhance food system resilience through integrated planning for isolated coastal communities. This study suggests that social connectivity across formal and informal structures can have a greater impact than geographic isolation alone to motivate and facilitate integrated food systems planning. This study also supports existing evidence on how linear systems create challenges for systems planning, diversification, and resilience.

Author dc:creator

• Jones, Emily

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• King, Leslie

Identifier URI

http://dx.doi.org/10.25316/IR-19124

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.viurrspace.ca/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Anull%3A10613%2F27437