This thesis examines the concept of sustainability and the implications of large-scale
hydroelectric development for the sustainability of communities in the Canadian portion of the
Columbia River Basin. A literature review of sustainability provides a background for
discussion and a working definition of sustainability is proposed for consideration throughout the
study. An overview of the Canadian experience with hydro development and its ecological,
social and economic impacts provides a context within which to consider issues related to
sustainability.
The Columbia River Basin is the setting of a case study of sustainability and hydro development
in British Columbia. The Kootenay region has been affected by extensive hydro projects since
the early 1900s on the Kootenay River and most significantly by large dams built on the
Columbia system as a result of the Columbia River Treaty. Communities in the Kootenays have
borne a large share of the impacts of these dams. The resulting degradation of fisheries, wildlife
and forests has jeopardized the integrity of the region’s resource base and its capability to
enhance the quality of life of those living within the Columbia River drainage basin.
Future hydroelectric planning should address the sustainability of the ecological, social and
economic systems affected by this land use change and ensure that local communities are
included in project decision-making. Increased awareness of the consequences of large-scale
hydro projects during planning stages may enable sustainable development to occur.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/5165 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Toller, Susan B. |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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