Understanding Industrial Development in Rural Agricultural Communities Presentation to AIHA Jeff Masuda & Theresa Garvin Community, Environment and Health Research Centre University of Alberta March 17 th, 2003

Your Messages It is important to note that residents will benefit from the certainty of future land use and development opportunities as defined in the Area Structure Plans. (AIHA, April, 2000) We are going to be engaging the public in direct discussion, consultations, in order to assure that we understand and work their considerations into the Area Structure Plan Process (FSTW, January, 2001) Some stakeholders expressed support for the Heartland because of the social and economic benefits that would result from such a development. (CASP, January, 2002)

Different Messages Industrial Hypeland all smoke - You're officially in Alberta's Industrial Heartland (SCP, June 9, 1998) More industry not needed (SCP, March 30, 1999) “There has been no consideration of us in the plan whatsoever” (FSTW, November 11, 2000) A resident of the Scotford area, called herself "a victim of the Heartland plan“ (FSTW, December 12, 2000) "So far…you've brushed off every person who's come forward here“ (SCP, December 12, 2000) "Raise a stink, you've got to make sure you're counted” (SCP, March 13, 2002)

Purpose of Research Proposed a case study to find out: What happened? Where are there conflicting viewpoints? What can be done to improve relationships in present and future planning?

Context Major changes taking place in Canada’s rural landscape (Gertler, 1994; Epp and Whitson, 2001) Communities are concerned about effects of industrial development (Freudenburg and Pastor, 1992) Communities have lost trust in governments and industry (Baxter, Eyles, and Elliott 1999; Bickerstaff and Walker 1999; Ali 2001)

Objectives 1.Reconstruct what happened 2.Identify conflict and contention 3.Build bridges 4.Construct framework improved interaction

Project Activities PHASE 1: Media and document analysis –Provides background information development of Heartland PHASE 2: Individual interviews –Provides all players with opportunities to share experiences, insights, concerns

Project Activities PHASE 3: Follow-up interviews –Explores ideas about reasons behind concern and ideas for improved relations PHASES 4-6: Group interviews and report writing –Provides a forum for multiple perspectives to be discussed in a neutral environment –Construct a new framework…

Expected Outcomes …Framework for Community Consultation CASP Objective (Jan, 2002): Provide stakeholders and interest groups with opportunities for effective input and ongoing communication through a community consultation program

Timeline Summer 2002Began preliminary research Autumn 2002 January 2003 Media analysis Began interviews December 2003Reporting and dissemination September 2003Data collection finishes

How can AIHA contribute? Participate in individual and group interviews Provide information and insights Representation on Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Representatives from: –Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association –Heartland Citizen’s Coalition –Alberta Cattle Commission –Alberta Canola Producers Commission –Peace River Organic Producers Association –Alberta Surface Rights Federation –Seeking others?

Advisory Committee Tasks –Access (key contacts) Who do we need to talk to? –Relevancy What are stakeholders looking for? –Dissemination How can we report on our results? –Transferability How can results be used in multiple contexts?

Advisory Committee Teleconference dates: –April 3 rd : discuss Phase 2 for first report –June: discuss Phase 3 for second report –November: Discuss final reporting and dissemination

Questions?