This research investigates why British Columbian local governments are motivated to implement Community Amenity Contributions (CACs). Local governments that are considering adopting a CAC policy may benefit from this report. Data was obtained from developers, planners and politicians through online surveys and semi-structured interviews. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the interview data was analyzed using content analysis. All participants viewed CACs as an effective means to raise revenue to pay for growth-related costs. All participants agreed that CACs are not used as a market-based planning tool to influence urban form. Four recommendations are made: 1) obtain Canadian empirical data on the impact of Development Charges 2) improve CACs by broadening the scope of provincial DCC legislation to include amenities now funded through CACs; 3) consider the market effects of CACs, especially on affordable housing; and 4) employ economists to analyze externalized costs of development for planning departments. / October 2015

This research used an Integrated Water Resource Management approach to investigate how Water Demand Management (WDM) measures at government, utility and end-user levels could contribute to providing sustainable water supply to Bahrain, which is in an arid to semiarid region. The main driver for this research was the supply-driven orientation favoured by policy makers and practitioners in Bahrain with little consideration for demand management. This leads to a high estimated gross per capita consumption 525 l/c/d as of 2010. There was also a need to investigate the institutional environment for managing water resources and delivering sustainable water supply to Bahrain. The research adopted a case study methodology which included qualitative analysis of interviews and documents from the water authority, and quantitative analysis of questionnaire surveys and pilot studies. The research adopted a cross-sectional approach to the analysis of activities associated with WDM practice in Bahrain. All findings and conclusions were evaluated/validated using surveys distributed to water experts and customers. Based on their feedback, findings and conclusions were revised. The main finding of this research was that the tariff is highly subsidized by the government and there is no encouragement for water savings. The low tariff leads to low revenue which in turn affects the budget allocated to the relevant departments and units at the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA). This impacts negatively on their activities. It was found that there is no effective strategy for integrated water resources management; there is a high level of Non Revenue Water (NRW) (38%); and limited reuse of grey water and water use saving devices. In addition there is a lack of public awareness and understanding of the benefits of WDM among all levels of society including professionals and water supply providers. The research concluded that improving water use efficiency in Bahrain should be a priority due to the current high water supply costs. There is a need for proper legislation that enforces the use of WDM; establishment of a national WDM committee with the Water Resources Directorate, and for water resource professionals to follow WDM oriented policies. The research proposed six areas to be further investigated to achieve more efficient use of water: (a) Water tariff reform to recover full water supply costs; (b) institutional reform through activating and enforcing Water Resources Council roles; (c) promoting public awareness about WDM and its benefits; (d) reducing non revenue water; (e) applying positive economic sliding scale incentives for customers who reduce their water consumption.

A shortage of academic literature exists on North American backyard chicken (BYC) keeping. This is particularly apparent when we ask why people keep backyard chickens in North American cities. This thesis examines individuals’ motivations and lived experiences with raising non-permitted BYC within the City of Winnipeg, using a phenomenological approach and Hanisch’s (2006) the Personal is Political theoretical perspective. Participants were motivated to keep BYC for food production, learning opportunities, leisure and companionship. Motivations were personal and often partly political. Sources of satisfaction derived from keeping BYC included food products, by-products and production, increased sense of connection, enjoyment, leisure, entertainment and companionship, learning opportunities, and doing what felt right. Fear of being found out, isolation and negative stereotypes were challenges experienced. Should the existing bylaw change, permitting BYC on residential Winnipeg properties, participants recommended imposing BYC-specific regulations and public education as a way of addressing concerns and mitigating potential issues. / October 2015