Thesis (M.E.S.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 2003
The concept of "sustainable development" persists in policy formation at all levels of government in Canada. Only over the past decade has a diverse range of scholars begun to examine the role of ecologically-sensitive land use planning in sustainable development. Growth management plans provide a rare opportunity for local governments and local residents to discuss long-term visions for their region on a wide range of issues. Officially launched in 2002, Halifax Regional Municipality's (HRM) Regional Planning project, a twenty-five year development plan, is a forum for changing planning and environmental values within the local administration. The critical relationship between planning policy and environmental policy arises for municipal governments addressing urban growth management issues
This thesis explored governance factors affecting the development of an environmental basis for planning objectives within HRM's Regional Planning process. A qualitative case study approach was used to examine the views and experiences of four stakeholder groups in the local planning process. Semi-structured interviews, observation of public consultations, and document review assisted in the case study exploration. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
