This study makes an examination of a training programme in an institution for the mentally handicapped. It outlines the history of this institution and traces the development of the training programme through its various stages, with special reference to the contribution which social work has made to the rehabilitative programme. The study makes an appraisal of this institution's existing programme in light of accepted principles and standards of practice, derived from an examination of relevant professional medical and social material in the field. Material studied included reports of the medical director of The Woodlands School, reports of the Provincial Supervisor of Psychiatric Social Work, and articles written in professional periodicals and books on the subject. Other material was obtained by personal observation of The Woodlands School's programme and by personal interviews with various staff members. The case material was obtained from the case records of the Social Service Department of The Woodlands School. These records cover a two-year period, 1951 through 1953. The conclusions of this study indicate that the services for the training and education of the mentally handicapped are seriously lacking in British Columbia with particular reference to social services. It is recommended that both lay and professional groups in British Columbia reassess their current programmes for the mentally handicapped in light of existing standards so that a more adequate understanding of needs in this area may be at their disposal. The need for greater expansion of rehabilitation services for the mentally handicapped is stressed. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

This thesis investigates citizen participation in the planning process in a Canadian city. The city selected for this research is New Westminster. It was chosen principally because of its relatively small size, its accessibility to the researcher, and the researcher’s familiarity with the conditions therein. The study is focussed on two aspects of citizen participation. The first aspect deals with the factors that motivate citizens to participate actively in government affairs. It is hypothesized that possession of wealth and high social status and the intense feeling of need for a project or service are motivational forces that can influence the citizen toward greater or more active participation. The second aspect concerns the style and scope of participation which are analyzed along the three levels of choice in the planning process, described by Paul Davldoff and Thomas A. Reiner in their article which appeared in the Journal of the American Institute of Planners in May, 1962. These three levels of choice are: (1) determination of goals or ends, (2) selection of alternatives to achieve the desired ends, and (3) effectuation. The method used in this study is a combination of the case study approach and a survey of selected leaders and citizens on welfare. The period reviewed covered about a decade, from 1957 to 1967. The background of two of the case studies started as early as 1952. The three case studies involved the following problems: (1) the downtown parking ramp. (2) the Queensborough drainage and sewage disposal problem, and (3) the redevelopment of Area 4. The findings show that the citizens most active in contacting City officials for the support or implementation of projects were generally the property owners, businessmen, and leaders of private organizations. The intense feeling of need, for the project was indicated by the sustained, effort and persistent demand of the leaders of certain associations for the implementation of such project over a long period of time. The pattern of citizen participation in the affairs of the City was mostly through, groups and organizations. These organizations aggregated the demands of like-minded citizens who discussed problems in meetings and arrived at a common understanding as to what course to take. The case studies show that the citizens actively participated in all stages of the planning process of the programs in which they were involved. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

This thesis explores the role of heritage revitalization in the downtown revitalization process. Heritage revitalization is defined as the economic benefits derived from heritage conservation. Three questions are addressed in this thesis; they are: 1. Does the Provincial Heritage Conservation Statutes Amendment Act. 1994 provide local governments in British Columbia with the necessary tools to respond to the unique circumstances of heritage revitalization? 2. Can heritage revitalization strategies improve the economic viability of historic downtowns? 3. What planning lessons can be learned from the experiences of many Canadian and American cities that have implemented successful downtown heritage revitalization strategies? A case study approach is used in this thesis to evaluate the role of heritage revitalization in the economic renewal of downtowns. The thesis case study is the 400 to 800 blocks of Columbia Street, located in downtown New Westminster, British Columbia. Columbia Street is the historic commercial core of New Westminster. A conceptual framework is developed which details the planning steps necessary in formulating a heritage revitalization strategy. The conceptual framework is based on approaches from several North American cities successful in rejuvenating their historic downtowns. This framework is applied to the Columbia Street case study and is used in the evaluation of heritage strategies for consideration. The thesis research concludes that Columbia Street is a sensitive heritage precinct in need of heritage policies, and a balance between heritage regulations and incentives. A heritage revitalization strategy is recommended for Columbia Street. The strategy contains specific heritage policies, zoning amendments and financial incentives designed to protect various heritage buildings on Columbia Street and Downtown New Westminster's overall character.

This thesis explores the role of heritage revitalization in the downtown revitalization process. Heritage revitalization is defined as the economic benefits derived from heritage conservation. Three questions are addressed in this thesis; they are: 1. Does the Provincial Heritage Conservation Statutes Amendment Act. 1994 provide local governments in British Columbia with the necessary tools to respond to the unique circumstances of heritage revitalization? 2. Can heritage revitalization strategies improve the economic viability of historic downtowns? 3. What planning lessons can be learned from the experiences of many Canadian and American cities that have implemented successful downtown heritage revitalization strategies? A case study approach is used in this thesis to evaluate the role of heritage revitalization in the economic renewal of downtowns. The thesis case study is the 400 to 800 blocks of Columbia Street, located in downtown New Westminster, British Columbia. Columbia Street is the historic commercial core of New Westminster. A conceptual framework is developed which details the planning steps necessary in formulating a heritage revitalization strategy. The conceptual framework is based on approaches from several North American cities successful in rejuvenating their historic downtowns. This framework is applied to the Columbia Street case study and is used in the evaluation of heritage strategies for consideration. The thesis research concludes that Columbia Street is a sensitive heritage precinct in need of heritage policies, and a balance between heritage regulations and incentives. A heritage revitalization strategy is recommended for Columbia Street. The strategy contains specific heritage policies, zoning amendments and financial incentives designed to protect various heritage buildings on Columbia Street and Downtown New Westminster's overall character. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate