This thesis focuses upon the context of change: change in water demand relating to population fluctuations and climatic change affecting the supply and demand of the water resource. This ultimately leads to the understanding of the challenges encountered by Eastern Ontario communities in water management. To do so, it is necessary to study supply and demand relations on water and their impacts upon the changes mentioned above. A literary review has been conducted to identify sustainable water indicators. These indicators will be used to evaluate available information to rural communities with which they can make enlightened decisions regarding these changes. These indicators have also been presented to the decision makers through a questionnaire, allowing them to evaluate their usefulness. In doing so, the decision makers are involved in the identification of environmental, economical and social concerns that could affect their communities. These concerns are further analyzed and explained in making a statement of the current conditions of water management in the area. This will further help to identify challenges that decision makers will face in the future.

Quality of place (QOP) is essential for building a "competitive and livable city" and the competitiveness is determined by the opportunities that the city can provide. Therefore not only physical characteristics of the neighborhoods but also social structure and personal satisfaction about a place are significant in the assessment of QOP. This thesis discusses how to measure the performance of places from different perspectives. Measuring the QOP is a hard task since it involves both objective and subjective dimensions. Most of the research on QOP have focused on either subjective or objective measures and a limited number of efforts have been made in recent years to collect both types of indicators. Hence, the main objective of this research has been to offer a new definition for QOP where both dimensions are integrated and to introduce a new methodology where information technologies such as geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) can be applied to understand the contribution of these two dimensions of QOP. The proposed methodological approach is tested for Montreal as a study case where social, physical and experiential community structural information are analyzed using different sources of data (census, survey, GIS based ancillary data and satellite images). Social structural information is analyzed using census data which help to understand the link between the socio-demographic/economic characteristics and QOP in census tract (CT) at city-wide scale. Then, physical structural information through accessibility to public services and urban land use is analyzed with the help of RS and GIS techniques. In the subjective dimension, survey data are used to explore the experiential community structural information that helps to understand the individual's own perceptions about the QOP where they live. Finally, both of the objective and subjective dimensions are integrated through multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) in a GIS environment. The results indicate that a place may be explained through some objective criteria; however, the situation may be different when the personal evaluations of people living in that area are considered. Thus, the results support that both dimensions are necessary to evaluate the complete picture of QOP. Key words. Quality of Place, Objective and Subjective Dimensions, Community Structures, Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems, Transformed Difference Vegetation Index, Spatial Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Multi-Criteria Evaluation, Montreal.

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the factors affecting the size and location of urban and rural nucleations in an irrigated agricultural area. The locale selected for study is an area in Central Saskatchewan which will become Irrigable upon completion of the South Saskatchewan River Project - a multi-purpose project designed to provide irrigation for half a million acres of land, a source of hydro electric power, and a 150-mile long reservoir with an important recreation potential. The approach is based on Christaller's theory of central places. This theoretical model assumes an "ideal" landscape, where the terrain is flat, there are no barriers to movement, land has equal fertility and population is distributed uniformly. The theory explains the settlement pattern as a hierarchy of central places, classified by functions, and arranged spatially in a regular pattern of interlocking hexagons. The applicability of the theory is examined in two agricultural areas -Southwest Wisconsin (based on a study by John E. Brush) and Saskatchewan (based on a study by the Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life). These studies conclude that the central place theory provides a useful framework of analysis against which to measure deviations and to explain the reasons for the differences from the theoretical model. Experience in planning for nucleated settlements in irrigated areas is not extensive. As a means of pointing up some of the problems of Saskatchewan development by comparison and by contrast, consideration is given to selected experience in regional planning In the Netherlands Polders and in Israel. Studies related to development of the Columbia River Basin in the State of Washington are also considered. The experience elsewhere shows, particularly, the essential relationship of settlement planning to a clearly formulated policy of comprehensive development, the necessity for planning location and size of urban and rural nucleations in relation to the employment base for the region, and the importance of development sequence to effective implementation of a plan. With this theoretical and actual experience in planning for nucleated settlements elsewhere as a background, the present settlement pattern in the South Saskatchewan River Project area is then analyzed, using a functional classification of central places as the starting point, considering the size and shape of service areas, and the factors which distort the pattern from the theoretical model of Christaller. The effects of soil condition, hydrographic factors and transportation are discussed and illustrated by maps. Use of the service center analysis for planning purposes is then considered. It is apparent that the theory provides a system of hierarchical classification that is valuable for analytical purposes to provide an understanding of service center relationships, and that the delineation of trading areas is a further useful tool. The changes which may be brought about by the South Saskatchewan River Project can then be projected, not by a forced attempt at formal adherence to a theory, but by reasoned consideration of the impact of a more intensive agricultural use and recreational potential on particular parts of the region. The method is one of expanding and adjusting service center areas, based on such, factors as the population to be served, road distances between service centers, and comparative drawing power of larger centers. This permits proposals to be made for general location of service centers of different levels in the hierarchy, reclassification of some existing centers, and desirable sequence of development. The value of the study lies in the practical application of the theoretical concept - its use in planning the nucleated settlement pattern of the future. Such planning is advantageous to the region, in permitting more efficient development, with a minimum number of central places of appropriate rank to serve the population. It is also advantageous to the central places in clarifying the opportunities and limitations of their respective roles. Each center is then in a position to develop its functions with the conscious goal of full achievement of appropriate service center status. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

It is the purpose of this Thesis to demonstrate: that a single enterprise community of settlements should plan its activities to prevent ghost towns from developing and to lessen the ill-effects of economic fluctuations; that a regional planning approach to this problem is the best since it produces balanced solutions from consideration of physical, social, and economic aspects; that the problems of single enterprise communities can be solved if a group or an individual who has recognized the problem can give the leadership needed to stir governments, companies, and the people sufficiently so that a regional planning administration will be established as the first step to solving the problem; and, finally, that the survey, analysis, and solutions, will be a contribution to knowledge. A survey of various communities was undertaken to demonstrate the problem. These were settlements as they existed in the past and as they exist today. The single enterprise community of settlements of the Rossland-Trail Region is used as a case study in order to show that such a community is vulnerable to the general problem but can be aided. A survey of its particular problems is undertaken and various solutions to them are offered. From the problems and solutions certain general principles are derived: The Principle of a Regional Planning Approach; The Principle of the Physical Habitat; A Principle for Regional Delimitation; The Principle of Economic Dominance; The Principle of a Regional Land-Use Balance; The Principle of Economic Expansion and Diversification; The Principle of Resource Development; The Principle of Citizen Participation; The Principle of Limited Jurisdiction; and The Principle of a Regional Planning Administration. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

During the past five years the Squamish valley has been the center of attention of a large amount of public interest. The extension of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway from the village of Squamish to Vancouver has been the cause of much of this public interest. The tremendous recreational potential of the beautifully scenic alpine country north of Squamish in Garibaldi Park has been brought most vividly to the fore. Partly as a result of this the provincial government began construction of a modern highway to the Squamish area, which in spite of much political debate, had hitherto been completely without a road connection of any kind. Principally because of road and rail being extended to Squamish, politicians, financiers and industrialists have expressed the opinion that the vast expanse of vacant land of the Squamish river delta could be developed for industrial purposes. Some people have even suggested that a great sea port could be developed with the rugged and scenic valley providing the land for associated community areas. This thesis is a study of the Squamish valley with respect to the probability of this development occurring. Insofar as industrial development as a sea port is concerned the extent to which the area can develop seems to depend largely on a matter of timing. Not by coincidence but because the port facilities of metropolitan Vancouver are rapidly becoming overtaxed, several proposals are being aired each of which seeks to develop further port facilities and land adjacent to Vancouver. Such land at Squamish would be competitive with that in these other proposed areas, but since Squamish is geographically separated from Vancouver it has some basic disadvantages. Conversely, however, due to the fact that the provincial government controls vast tracts of land at Squamish, port development on these lands may be fairly readily accomplished. Squamish seems destined to expand fairly rapidly regardless of its industrial future. Its rate and ultimate pattern of development, however, will largely be determined by the extent of industrialization. Since some form of growth is immediately eminent and particularly since the valley must be protected from flood-waters, regional development planning is direly needed. Because the prospects for industrial development are somewhat dependent on the nature of other local growth a regional plan is proposed which will ensure adequate industrial land at the waterfront. / Arts, Faculty of / Geography, Department of / Graduate

Planning for development as a function of central government forms the general subject of this study. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the hypothesis that, to be effective, such planning must be comprehensive in approach, that is, economic, social and physical planning must be integrated into one total process. Trinidad and Tobago, a territory of the West Indies Federation, is taken as an illustrative case study. The case study focuses on the more practical aspects of the problem and is meant to indicate how the different elements of the planning process could be integrated into one comprehensive system and be effectively applied to development. The approach taken in the study was, first, to discuss the problem in a general way by analyzing and evaluating planning for development as it is currently practised in a number of developing countries. The conclusions drawn from this analysis are that (1) planning for development as currently practised tends to emphasize the economic aspects of the development process, and ignores the social and, in particular, the physical aspects of development; and (2) while the planning function is rightly placed at the centre of the governmental structure, there is the tendency to concentrate only on the national level of development ignoring the implications of national policy on regions and local areas, and failing to give adequate recognition to the aspirations and requirements of these lower levels in development plans. It is further concluded that as a result of the above serious defects appear in development programmes: because of the lack of functional integration in the development process unexpected costs arise which may nullify the desired benefits; unplanned physical effects of development appear as the determinants of the ultimate success of the entire development effort; regional disparities in the settlement pattern and in the level of development are perpetuated; human, physical and financial resources are dissipated in costly and unnecessary remedial measures; and, the social benefits of development tend to be offset by the social costs. The shortcomings of current practice of planning for development and the resultant defects in the development effort, appear to be related to the conception of the nature of development that is generally accepted, that is, that development is largely a problem in economics and that all other elements will fall into place once the economic components are properly planned and rapid economic progress achieved. The revised conception of development as a complex series of interdependent changes in the society as a whole, leads almost naturally to the view that planning designed to promote development must be comprehensive. The brief outline and discussion of the important factors in the development of Trinidad and Tobago, focusing on the magnitude and the scope of the needs, provide the background for the consideration of the planning requirements in this territory. It is concluded from this discussion that Trinidad and Tobago needs a comprehensive planning organization which includes economic, social and physical elements to meet all the requirements of the anticipated development in the territory. The proposal for the planning organization is based on the general planning philosophy which emerges from the discussion of current practice in developing countries and from the appraisal of the comprehensive planning system in operation in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The basic features of the proposed planning process and organization are as follows: (1) the planning process is divided into five stages -- policy, survey and analysis, design, control of development, and evaluation; (2) co-ordination of all functional elements is to be maintained throughout the process; and, (3) spatial integration is to be achieved by making the Central Planning Department responsible for planning at all levels -- territorial, regional and local. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

The related concepts of regional planning and regional government have been a topic of discussion in Saskatchewan for a considerable period of time without yet being resolved. There are immediate questions requiring solutions which can best be handled on a regional scale: rail line abandonment and grain movement rationalization; changing consumer patterns that are by-passing small service-centers; the effects of population shift from rural to urban areas; the broadening of the economic base and the creation of a vehicle for the effective use of and therefore, the attraction of Federal development grants. Progress in resolving the above issues has been hampered because debate on these topics has been focused on issues that are not relevant. Discussion to date has centered on conflicting urban and rural values, heightened by a misunderstanding on the part of urban-oriented academics and professionals concerning rural needs and way of life. This point has created political attitudes which are detrimental to the adoption of regional government at this time. In summary, there exists a conflict between the idealistic imposition of regional government versus popular recognition of the concept. The thesis purports to show that resolution of this stalemate might be aided by a recognition of the present existence of informal regions and the corresponding existence of inter-dependence of nodal-centers and their surrounding areas. This is done by examining the relevance of current regional theory and literature pertaining to regional planning and central place theory. Several empirical studies and regional workshops were examined to comprehend previous attempts to establish a basis for regionalizing the province. The pattern of average daily traffic volume was used to delimit areas of activity that have developed naturally. An intuitive information letter provided an insight on how the public debate has strayed off the track; where the debate now stands regarding regional government; and what degree of progress is immediately feasible. The thesis concludes that informal regions exist to a degree that will sufficiently display the urban-rural community of interest and will enable problem-solving to occur predominantly on the required regional scale in respect of the type of issues discussed above. Finally, a new functional organization is suggested to act on these findings / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Planning for regional development forms the major theme of this study. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the hypothesis, that the effectiveness of regional planning as a tool of development is dependent upon the ability to make power, function and region or area coincide. The approach taken in the study was, first, to discuss the problem in a general way. Growing urbanization and its manifested ills is used to illustrate the need for regional development in the less developed sector of the world's economy. The growth of the regional concept in the major disciplines related to planning is traced, and the application of this concept in the United States and the newly independent countries is examined. Attention is drawn to the state of planning for regional development and the need for a closer relationship between power, function and region. In order to test the hypothesis a case study of Puerto Rico is undertaken. The choice of the territory was prompted by two factors. In the first instance, Puerto Rico is claimed to be a model of development in the Western Hemisphere. Secondly, as Puerto Rico is an island it is a clearly delineated region. The method employed was to try to evaluate the developmental achievement of Puerto Rico and at the same time assess the factors involved. The procedure was as follows. Noting that 1940 marked the beginning of the developmental programme, and 1898 the end of Spanish rule on the island, the intervening period was assessed from an economic and social point of view. Starting from 1940 the main features contributing to development from a planning standpoint were considered. Prior to embarking on a discussion of the developmental achievements, the factors unique to the island that would have contributed to development are outlined. The case study concludes with specific indices of development. The conclusions drawn from the analysis are: That the development process in Puerto Rico is a success, and that this success resulted from a series of incidents which seemed to occur fortuitously. These were: The coming to power of the Popular Democratic Party led by Munoz Marin; the appointment of Rexford G. Tugwell as Governor; and the constitutional changes which took place when Puerto Rico gained Commonwealth Status. Munoz Marin was a leader dedicated to the development of the Island and Rexford Tugwell was a planner seeking to create a planning administration with jurisdiction over the area or region in which the functions to be planned existed; and endowed with the power to implement the plans designed. Although Tugwell was not totally successful in creating his ideal administrative framework, he was able to bring power, function and region into a close relationship. The study also brought to light certain subsidiary criteria that are essential for the triad - power, function and region - to work effectively for regional development. These are: Size of population, services rendered, legal authorization, fiscal adequacy, accountability and flexibility. These, together with power, region and function form the components of a suggested model useful in assessing the effectiveness of organization for regional development. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

The purpose of this thesis is to develop an alternative approach to regional planning based on the concept of carrying capacity. I assume that the relationship between human society and its ecological resource base has substantially changed because of the unprecedented economic expansion subsidized by fossil fuel and consequently we can no longer behave as if the natural environment had unlimited capability to accommodate human economic activity. In this situation, in order to ensure the long-term welfare of regional residents, it is necessary to improve the viability of a region by restructuring its economy in such a way as to promote regional economic self-reliance and ensure sensible natural resource management. Efforts should be made to achieve a self-reliant economy using regional resources on a sustainable basis. The concept of carrying capacity, which is an explicit representation of limits to growth, can provide a valuable framework for these efforts. I propose a conceptual framework of carrying capacity, where four variables are incorporated. They are [1] natural capability, [2] human intervention, [3] material standard of living, and [4] interregional transfer of commodities. The exploration of this alternative approach to regional planning involves four steps. First, I examine the present nature-human relationship paying special attention to the prevailing assumption about the natural environment and the role of fossil fuel in industrial society. Second, I consider what the viability of a regional economy is and how it can be improved under the circumstances clarified in the preceding step. Third, I examine the meaning of carrying capacity criticizing the existing applications, and develop a carrying-capacity framework that can help achieve a viable region. Fourth, I describe how the proposed framework be applied to the efforts to design a mode of production and consumption that is compatible with a viable region. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

This thesis focuses on the design of a construction method that utilizes a single adaptable kit-of-parts system. The new system is designed to be flexible while also enhancing construction speeds without severely limiting the building's ability to merge into an urban fabric. This thesis proposes a residential structure to be built from a handful of simple structural units. This is accomplished through the design of a residential building situated in an area of Miami currently under reconstruction.