Master of Community Planning
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Item Beyond the underground: Planning strategies to improve music culture and nightlife in Nanaimo(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2024-04) McCulloch, Aidan; Chase, LindsayAs an emerging topic in planning practice, this research explores the perspectives of those involved with the facilitation of nightlife perceive the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia, and explores how current policy may have shaped the nightlife landscape. By exploring academic perspectives of normative concepts which have facilitated positive governing attitudes of nightlife, this research applies the theoretical framework of advocacy planning to conceptualize how the City of Nanaimo and the planning profession should understand when considering policy support for nightlife activity.Item Is ecofeminism the answer?: An altenative perspective for a more sustainable and equitable climate action plan(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2022-03) Gandy, Kari-Ann; Witty, David R.Climate change has become one of the most formidable challenges in the twenty first century. Mitigation and adaptation climate action plans are designed to reduce the consequences of climate change; however, these plans fail to address the resulting impacts of a changing climate on vulnerable populations. As the focus of climate action plans tends to be on the economic and environmental impacts of global warming, this research seeks to examine an ecofeminist perspective to provide a framework for how climate change action can be better developed and addressed through a more inclusive and holistic lens. The methodology for this research involves a secondary research approach that utilizes qualitative data analysis. This data will be primarily derived from a review of the literature, and an examination of current thinking within climate change policy. A framework is proposed to set out the essential considerations of climate change planning from an ecofeminist perspective.Item Beyond the walls: Enhancing post-secondary environments through nature-inspired designs for well-being and productivity(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2024-04) Frizzi, Marie Mariane; Deshmukh, SonalBiophilia is the inherent human inclination to connect with nature (Wilson, 1984); it reflects our deep-rooted affinity for the natural world, impacting our emotions, psychology, and health. This master's thesis, "Beyond the Walls: Enhancing Post-Secondary Environments Through Nature-Inspired Design for Well-being and Productivity," explores the transformative potential of nature-based (biophilic) designs within educational settings, particularly at Vancouver Island University. The study investigates how integrating these elements into the built environment can positively impact students and faculty members' well-being and productivity. The research delves into the preferences, behaviours, and interactions within spaces infused with biophilic elements through a mixed-methods approach, encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses and detailed observational studies. Observations serve as the primary method for collecting data, offering direct insights into the real-time impacts of these designs on daily activities and engagements. The findings suggest that such designs enhance academic performance and foster a deeper connection with nature, promoting sustainability and community cohesion. Implementing biophilic principles, including the strategic use of natural light, plant life, and sustainable materials, creates stimulating and restorative learning environments, thus advocating for a holistic educational experience that prepares students for academic success and a sustainable future.Item The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on airport planning in Western Canada(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2024-04) Duerksen, Kathryn Elizabeth; Maloney, PatriciaThis thesis provides academic research on the economic, personnel and policy effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on airports in Western Canada, with a focus on airport and emergency planning, and how airports are recovering from the pandemic. The goal of this research is to seek clarity on how the pandemic impacted our airports in terms of personnel, economic decline, and most notably the ways in which airport planning and operation will change because of these drastic events. This thesis incorporates seven semi-structured interviews with eight airport industry professionals who provide examples of first-hand, professional experience in the Western Canadian Airport Industry during the pandemic. As a result, this research intends to bring to light current emerging airport recovery plans, and lessons learned for airport and emergency planning in Western Canada. Through literature review and an analysis of interview responses, this thesis recommends that airports establish Strategic and Emergency Plans that allow airports to not only recover from the effects of the pandemic, but ensure that there are proactive emergency plans in place for airports to follow in the event of another emergency situation.Item Creating a caring community: Planning for a dementia village in Qualicum Beach(Electronic version published by Vancouver Island University, 2024-04) Manhas, Serena; Shaw, PamelaThis thesis proposes the idea of introducing a dementia village to the Town of Qualicum Beach, located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The research examines the negative impact of traditional care homes on persons with dementia (PwD) and discusses best practices in dementia-friendly urban design. These “best practices” in design cover a variety of topics such as: wayfinding, walking paths, signages and landmarks, lighting, colours, and garden spaces. Additionally, planners from the Town of Qualicum Beach were interviewed to understand the context of the community and demand for dementia-related care. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for an ideal dementia village in Qualicum Beach.