Telecommuting has been defined in several ways. For the purpose of this paper, telecommuting (also known as teleworking) is defined as the concept of employees performing some portion of their regular work activities from a remote location, while receiving their regular salary and benefits. This remote work location is typically a satellite office, a neighbourhood office or the employee’s home. Most telecommuting occurs on a part-time basis, one to three days per week. Not every job nor every worker is suitable to telecommute. Although the actual number of telecommuters is unknown, it has been estimated that approximately 7.6 million Americans were telecommuters in 1993 -- 6.1% of the total American workforce. If even a slightly smaller proportion of telecommuters is applied to the Canadian workforce (i.e. 5.75%), there are at least 738,150 Canadian telecommuters. While being influenced by many factors, telecommuting has risen in prominence primarily due to transformations in telecommunications and information technology, the nature of work, the workers, the workplace, urban highway congestion and in some jurisdictions, environmental legislation. Encouraging the establishment of telework centres and home-based telecommuting can increase employment opportunities within the community. Reducing the number of daily trips to a central work place may reduce transportation infrastructure costs (construction and maintenance) and have a positive effect on the environment (improved air quality and energy conservation). With more people staying within their neighbourhood to work, a greater sense of community can result. Telecommuting deserves serious attention on the part of municipalities because it can deliver large benefits in economic, environmental and social terms. This paper is designed to inform, stimulate discussion, and aid in the review of out-dated municipal regulations and procedures as they pertain to telecommuting.

This study examines sediment storage and transfers in gullies of coastal British Columbia, and how logging affects sediment storage and transfers. Both fluvial and debris flow transport of sediment occur in gullies, and the amount of fluvial transport of sediment which occurs will affect the magnitude of a subsequent debris flow. Coarse woody debris (CWD) may affect the storage and transfer of sediment in the gully channel, and logging can affect the supply and type of CWD. To determine whether logging affects storage and transfer of sediment in gullies, sediment budgets were constructed for gullies in four treatment classes: A. Logged, slash full, no recent debris flows : "slash-full (SF)." B. Logged, slash removed, no recent debris flows : "slash-clear (SC)." C. Logged, naturally scoured by debris flows : "torrented (T)." D. Unlogged, naturally loaded with CWD : "unlogged (U)." Each sediment budget had input to the channel, storage in the channel, and output from the channel estimated. Significant differences between treatment types occurred, summarized below. Treatment classes grouped together (in brackets) did not have significant differences. Budget term : Input, greatest→least, Torrented→Slash-full→(Unlogged and Slash-clear). Budget term : Storage, greatest→least, Torrented→Unlogged→Slash-clear. Budget term : Output, greatest→least, Slash-clear→(Torrented and Unlogged)→Slash-full. One objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of cleaning slash from the gully channels. To be effective, cleaning slash must either reduce the magnitude of a debris flow in a treated gully, or else reduce the likelihood of initiation of a debris flow in the treated gully. Removal of slash will reduce the volume of a subsequent debris flow by about 15 percent, simply from the reduction in the amount of CWD. Reduction in sediment stored in the treated channel may reduce the volume of a debris flow by a further 4 percent. There is no evidence that removing slash will decrease the likelihood of initiation of a debris flow.

This study of intergovernmental relations in education explored the nature of school district political responses to provincial government policies in British Columbia. Specifically, it examined the practice of a particular set of political responses (Elkin, 1975): coalition, socialization of the conflict, making use of a supraorganization, exchange, co-optation and penetration. Based on theoretical and empirical studies of governmental policy making (Doern and Phidd, 1983; Lowi, 1964, 1972; Rowat, 1980; Simeon, 1976) and interorganizational influence (Elkin, 1975; Rhodes, 1980), a three dimensional conceptual framework was developed consisting of policy types, school district types and types of political response. Ministry policy type was classified according to !?regulatory! (instructions for school districts to integrate severly handicapped children into regular school programs) and “distributive” (guidelines to school districts for capital expenditure allocations). School district type was distinguished by school board partisanship and regional—metropolitan variants. Ultimately, three school districts were chosen for indepth investigation and comparative analysis. This study may be regarded as an academic policy analysis using a multi-case study methodology. Based on interviews with key district office personnel and school trustees, along with document analysis and other evidence, the study yielded thick descriptions of the operational characteristics ‘of each political response in action. This study substantiated the proposition that political behaviour is characterized by certain patterns or regularities. However, while the “language” of organizational response proposed by Elkin (1975) provides insight and guidance for the study of intergovernmental relations, it does not appear to be comprehensive. Other district political responses come into play. Nevertheless, the findings of this study support Elkin’s proposition that the political responses of local government organizations are closely associated with their dependency on environmental resources. Application of the multi—case methodology in this research supports the contention of certain policy researchers that it is possible to combine intensity of study with comparative variations of key variables. The inter—disciplinary nature of this study, along with the systematic use of different kinds of definitions and the interactive opportunities associated with “on site” observation, were found to be very important and necessary features of this qualitative research. The findings and conclusions suggest that research should be undertaken on other typologies of political influence which were identified in the course of this study. Incorporation of what organizational theorists refer to as “resource dependency theory,” or “the political economy perspective” may aid in examining more comprehensively how school districts, as special purpose governments, adapt to provincial government authority. The study concludes with speculations about the nature and usefulness of school district political responses within the context of local-provincial relations in education.

Snow glide is the translational slip of the entire snow pack over a sloping ground surface. It is thought that rapid rates of snow glide precede the release of full-depth avalanches. The nature of avalanches that release at the ground makes them difficult to predict and difficult to control using explosives. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between rapid snow glide and full-depth avalanche occurrence and to examine climate factors affecting both processes. Data collected from an instrumented site along the Coquihalla Highway in the Cascade Mountains of British Columbia were used for analysis during two winter seasons (1992-93, 1993-94). Glide is influenced by the nature of the interaction between the roughness of the ground and the snow pack, and by the distribution of water at the interface. The presence of water at the interface affects the material properties of snow and the friction conditions. The impact of freewater on glide is influenced by the volume and rates of water input. Higher glide rates and fulldepth avalanche release are the almost immediate responses to contributions of free-water. The data show that the most significant contributor is rainfall, which is common in the study area throughout the winter season. The supply of free-water from snow melt due to radiative and thermal sources of energy become more significant in the spring. Water inputs increase the thickness of the saturated layer at the base of the snow pack, allowing greater amplitudes of roughness to be overcome. By drowning or partially drowning the roughness elements, a thin film of water reduces the shear resistance of the snow pack to downslope movement. Inputs of water at rates higher than transmissions rates will increase pore pressures and decrease shear stress encouraging further downslope movement. Failure of the snow pack at the ground is translational, most often occurring 12-24 hours after a rainfall event, but sometimes much later when avalanche release would not be expected. Although there is no threshold glide velocity associated with avalanche release, it can be concluded that snow glide is a good indicator of active periods of full-depth avalanche occurrence. However, results from this study show that rainfall rates and snow melt rates may be more accurate predictors of avalanche occurrence in the study area.

Conventional academic argument has it that reserve establishment in British Columbia was something which was imposed upon a subjugated, oppressed population. This argument suggests that after eighty years of mutually beneficial socio-economic interaction with Europeans, Natives were suddenly unable to cope with the effects of European settlement. Careful scrutiny of relevant documents from reserve commissions, however, tends to suggest a different interpretation. Although faced with the societal effects of depopulation as a result of epidemic disease, and in spite of restrictions placed upon them by European law and Victorian hegemonic beliefs, Natives were able to maintain their cultural integrity and participate effectively within European systems of power. Although the agenda and objectives of Natives with regard to land were not evident to contemporary Europeans, they are beginning to be seen and understood by historians and other observers.

This study attempts to address a gap in existing subcultural research. While there has been extensive work done on the experiences of men in subcultural groupings, the examination of women's experiences is sadly lacking. Using a combination of participant observation and ethnographic interviewing, this study looks at the role women play in the local rock music scene. Some interesting themes emerge that challenge existing notions that women are either marginal or absent from subcultural activity. Women in the scene occupy a richly contradictory social position. While they exercise an impressive degree of sexual and financial autonomy, as illustrated by their initiation of relationships and breadwinner roles in partnerships with male musicians, they also adopt many goals and behaviors typically associated with mainstream constructions of proper femininty. Women in the rock scene are seldom performers, instead they are concentrated i n the role of the "nurturent caretaker" (Cole 1993: 89/90) allowing the male musicians to retain recognition, prestige and power in the scene. This construction of the male role as central reflects the acceptance of patriarchal ideology in the scene and obscures the contribution of women to the material maintenance of the subculture. Women's roles in the scene can be characterized as a simultaneous acceptance and rejection of mainstream prescriptions for feminine behavior. While women in the rock scene are undeniably the focus of much sexual objectification and exploitation, they cannot be viewed as either passive or dependent. Women are described by scene members as sexually powerful decision makers, and although women's power is cast in disappointingly sexual terms, it is the active nature of this sexuality that leads me to describe women not as "passive" sexual objects, but rather as "active" sexual objects. Women's experiences in the rock scene are inextricably linked to heterosexual relations with male musicians. While rock women focus on the same goals of marriage and motherhood as mainstream women, their relationships are characterized by complications imposed by the rock lifestyle. According female participants, the overt sexuality of the scene, lack of financial stability , and the consuming nature of the music business combine to challenge the maintenance of a healthy relationship with a musician. However, while women's willingness to deal with such obstacles is puzzling, it can be seen as determination to transcend traditional limitations on masculine and feminine roles. The rock scene, despite its disproportionate consequences for women, offers both women and men alternatives to mainstream constructions of masculinity and femininity. The scene is identified by both female and male participants as offering excitement, spontaneity and passion absent in mainstream society.

The delivery of social housing is consistently plagued with problems ranging from reduced budget allocation, scarcity of adequately zoned lands and neighborhood opposition. Though limited, provincial funding is still available in BC. However, land acquisition remains a problem. Municipal governments are recognized to have the influence to increase the amount of land for affordable housing projects through the use of zoning by-laws. This thesis argues that the exclusionary character of the municipal zoning by-law does not encourage the creation of affordable housing units. Amendments to the Municipal Act under Bill 57 which allow BC municipalities to negotiate with developers to set aside some units as affordable through density bonusing and inclusionary zoning do not also guarantee that units can be created. Both strategies are dependent on the performance of the market place. This thesis explores an alternative form of affirmative zoning as a possible municipal initiative that can facilitate the creation of affordable housing units by reviewing governments' activities in affordable housing provision and by looking at Surrey as an illustrative case. The alternative form calls for the amendment of the zoning by-law to include a specific zone for affordable housing and pre-zoning of vacant municipal-owned lands for affordable housing. By adopting this strategy, a municipal government departs from its traditional reactor role. Surrey has demonstrated that in order to adopt affirmative zoning, a municipality has to be governed by a socially-committed council who should bring affordable housing provision as a visible component in the municipal agenda. The case also shows that the process has inherent constraints. The provincial government may prohibit councils from identifying affordable housing as a distinct zone while neighbourhoods can still mount strong opposition against the process. Senior governments may start to "dump" social housing projects in municipalities that have adopted this mechanism. With this mechanism in place, a municipal government may expect to accommodate additional population and consequently, an additional demand on municipal resources and services. However, the adoption of the strategy can provide municipal governments with an alternative option, enhance the planning process, foster public acceptance of affordable housing projects, and shorten the approval process. Two lessons are drawn from this thesis: • municipal resources can be re-directed to facilitate the process of creating affordable housing units and • planners and decision-makers should assume a progressive philosophy, leadership and social commitment to ensure that the strategy works.

[No abstract.]

An evaluation of the effectiveness of design guidelines in the City of Vancouver was undertaken. Three neighborhoods were studied where design guidelines have been applied. The guidelines for each neighborhood were studied and summarized and then site visits were made to evaluate the implementation of the guidelines. Evaluation of the guidelines took the form of a comparison of the objectives of the guidelines with the actual conditions in the neighborhoods. Factors that influenced the success or failure of the guidelines were identified and summarized. General comments regarding the implementation of design guidelines in the city of Vancouver were outlined in the concluding chapter.

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is considered to be the most common nutritional deficiency among infants and children worldwide. The consequences of IDA on the developing central nervous system may be irreversible; these may include delayed mental and motor development, and reduced school performance. Infants are particularly prone to develop IDA if given foods low in iron content or foods that contain iron of low bioavailability. Infants from low socioeconomic background and Asian, Black or Hispanic infants, are believed to be at higher risk for IDA than White infants. There are no published studies on iron status in relation to feeding history from British Columbia or other parts of Canada. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of IDA and low iron status in 9 month old infants in Vancouver, British Columbia, and to determine which infants are at highest risk for IDA and low iron status based on their feeding history, economic and ethnic background. Infants who could participate in the study were identified from birth and death lists provided by the Vancouver Public Health Department. Eligibility criteria were that the infant was full term (gestational age a: 37-<42 weeks) with a birth weight of 2500-4500g and born between January 1st, and March 2nd, 1993, or between June 4th and August 7th, 1993 to parents resident in Vancouver, with an address to enable contact. Initial contact with parents of all eligible infants (n = 1813) was made through a letter. A subsequent telephone call was made to the parents to describe the study protocol and to arrange an appointment for parents interested in participating with their infant. All the appointments were made to coincide with the time when the infant would be 39 ± 1 weeks old. At the clinic appointment, blood samples were collected from the infants, parents completed questionnaires regarding their family background and their infant's nutritional history from birth to 9 months of age, and a visual recognition memory test (Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence) was administered to the infant. Because many tests used to diagnose iron-deficiency anaemia lack specificity, several tests were used in combination. IDA was classified as a Hgb ^101 g/L or Hgb <110 g/L with 2 or 3 abnormal biochemical tests from serum ferritin :S 10 //g/L, total iron binding capacity > 60 //mol/L, and zinc protoporphyrin >70 //mol ZPP/mol heme. Low iron status was classified as a serum ferritin ^10 //g/L without iron-deficiency anaemia. Four hundred and thirty four (434) 9 month old infants and their parents participated in the study, representing 23.9% of all the eligible infants. The prevalence of IDA and low iron status was 6.9% and 24.4%, respectively. A statistically significant association (p<0.0001) was found between the infants' iron status and the duration of breast-feeding. IDA and low iron status was found in 15.2% and 30.4%, respectively, in infants who had received breastmilk as their main source of milk for more than 8 months. In contrast, the prevalence of IDA and low iron status was 1.5% and 10.3%, respectively, among the group of infants who were never breast-fed. Feeding low iron milk (cows' milk, low iron infant formula or goat's milk) also showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with the iron status of the infants. No statistically significant association was found between iron status and the age of introduction of specific solid foods (iron-fortified infant cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, egg yolk, tofu, meat, chicken, or fish), or fruit juice. No statistically significant association was found between the annual family income and iron status of the infants, when considering either the entire group of infants, or the infants from two parent households. However, a statistically significant association (p< 0.05) was found between iron status and family income for the group of infants (n = 30) from one parent families. Of note, only 7 of these infants were from families with an annual income of > $20,000. The low number of infants in this group limits the ability to predict the true prevalence of IDA and low iron status, or the association with income in the single parent families. No statistically significant association was found between the infants' iron status and the mothers' level of education. A higher prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia and low iron status was found in infants of mothers born in Canada compared to infants of mothers not born in Canada. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) suggesting a higher risk for iron-deficiency anaemia and low iron status among infants' whose mother had been born in Canada. No statistically significant association was found between the infants' iron status and the number of years an immigrant mother had resided in Canada. Ethnic background as reported by the mother was significantly associated (p<0.05) with the iron status of the infants. Specifically, the prevalence of IDA was higher among infants of European and Canadian parentage than among infants of East Indian and Chinese parentage. No statistically significant differences were found between the scores on the visual recognition memory test of the infants with iron-deficiency anaemia, low iron status or normal iron status. In conclusion, the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia (6.9%) and low iron status (24.4%) among otherwise healthy 9 month old infants who participated in this study suggests the need to develop strategies for the prevention of iron-deficiency anaemia, or for early detection and treatment. The results of this study show that the infants at highest risk for iron-deficiency anaemia and low iron status in Vancouver, when defined by feeding history, are infants with a history of breast-feeding as the main source of milk for more than 8 months, and infants bottle-fed low iron milk (cows' milk, goat's milk or low iron infant formula). When defined by economic and ethnic background the infants at highest risk for iron-deficiency anaemia are infants of Caucasian mothers (European or Canadian).