56
5.3
Research Methodology
and Context
In this research, we engaged a mixed-methods,
information-oriented approach within case study
research, integrating quantitative and qualitative
data collection and analysis techniques and tools
(van Kerkhoff 2014; Yin 2014). For reasons of
funding
1
and focus, we decided to work with two
communities in the Lower Mainland of British
Columbia: the City of Maple Ridge and the
District of North Vancouver. Whereas some communities may see the SDGs as either irrelevant to
or in conflict with local priorities, we partnered
with two cities that approached us
2
and demonstrated interest in participating in our research in
order to enhance their sustainability planning and
performance assessment processes, while exploring common ground with the SDGs.
The main objective of this research was to
help the two municipalities (Fig. 5.2) achieve
their stated visions by providing them with a sustainability assessment framework that would be
relevant to their needs and values, while connecting them to a broader context. The customized
integrated framework would support city council,
staff, citizens, and other community stakeholders
in effectively identifying community needs, allocating funds, implementing policies and programs, and measuring results, from a long-term
perspective.
5.3.1 Case Studies Context:
The District of North
Vancouver (DNV)
As one of three municipalities on the North Shore
of Metro Vancouver, the District of North
Vancouver (DNV) shares key infrastructure
(roads and utilities) and in some cases partners in
1 Please refer to the end of this chapter for a disclosure
statement regarding the funding for this project.
2 We were approached by and collaborated with the
Community Planning Department in the District of North
Vancouver and the Sustainability and Corporate Planning
Department in the City of Maple Ridge.
the delivery of services (recreation and emergency services). Its natural assets define the local
lifestyle and values, and the industrial waterfront,
a strategic national asset, provides significant
business opportunities and local jobs. A growing
community with two First Nations reserves, the
District considers collaborative planning essential to the achievement of its long-term goals.
The DNV Official Community Plan (OCP),
3
titled “Identity 2030,” presents the DNV’s vision
for an “inclusive and supportive community that
celebrates its rich heritage and lives in harmony
with nature” and that has a “network of well
designed and livable centres” and “resilient and
diverse” local businesses (District of North
Vancouver 2011). Our project with the District
was carried out in 2018 and aimed to help achieve
this vision by adding to the monitoring and
reporting work of the Community Planning
Department and the Official Community Plan
Implementation Monitoring Committee 2017–
2018. Our other objective, inspired by how cities
like San Jose and Baltimore localized the SDGs,
was to compare the District’s goals and indicators
to the SDGs and their targets and indicators and
to make recommendations on how to address
gaps identified.
5.3.2 Case Studies Context: The City
of Maple Ridge (CMR)
Located 45 kilometers east of Vancouver, Maple
Ridge is a family-oriented community and one of
the fastest growing cities in Metro Vancouver. It
has a vibrant local economy and the most affordable industrial land and real estate in the region.
It is committed to becoming a sustainable community by considering the environmental, social,
and economic impacts of its actions for present
and future generations. The City of Maple Ridge
3 Under British Columbia’s Local Government Act,
municipalities and regional districts are encouraged to
develop an Official Community Plan (OCP) that provides
a long-term vision for the community. An OCP is “a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on
municipal and regional district planning and land use
management” (Province of British Columbia, n.d.).
M. Spiliotopoulou and M. Roseland
5.3
Research Methodology
and Context
In this research, we engaged a mixed-methods,
information-oriented approach within case study
research, integrating quantitative and qualitative
data collection and analysis techniques and tools
(van Kerkhoff 2014; Yin 2014). For reasons of
funding
1
and focus, we decided to work with two
communities in the Lower Mainland of British
Columbia: the City of Maple Ridge and the
District of North Vancouver. Whereas some communities may see the SDGs as either irrelevant to
or in conflict with local priorities, we partnered
with two cities that approached us
2
and demonstrated interest in participating in our research in
order to enhance their sustainability planning and
performance assessment processes, while exploring common ground with the SDGs.
The main objective of this research was to
help the two municipalities (Fig. 5.2) achieve
their stated visions by providing them with a sustainability assessment framework that would be
relevant to their needs and values, while connecting them to a broader context. The customized
integrated framework would support city council,
staff, citizens, and other community stakeholders
in effectively identifying community needs, allocating funds, implementing policies and programs, and measuring results, from a long-term
perspective.
5.3.1 Case Studies Context:
The District of North
Vancouver (DNV)
As one of three municipalities on the North Shore
of Metro Vancouver, the District of North
Vancouver (DNV) shares key infrastructure
(roads and utilities) and in some cases partners in
1 Please refer to the end of this chapter for a disclosure
statement regarding the funding for this project.
2 We were approached by and collaborated with the
Community Planning Department in the District of North
Vancouver and the Sustainability and Corporate Planning
Department in the City of Maple Ridge.
the delivery of services (recreation and emergency services). Its natural assets define the local
lifestyle and values, and the industrial waterfront,
a strategic national asset, provides significant
business opportunities and local jobs. A growing
community with two First Nations reserves, the
District considers collaborative planning essential to the achievement of its long-term goals.
The DNV Official Community Plan (OCP),
3
titled “Identity 2030,” presents the DNV’s vision
for an “inclusive and supportive community that
celebrates its rich heritage and lives in harmony
with nature” and that has a “network of well
designed and livable centres” and “resilient and
diverse” local businesses (District of North
Vancouver 2011). Our project with the District
was carried out in 2018 and aimed to help achieve
this vision by adding to the monitoring and
reporting work of the Community Planning
Department and the Official Community Plan
Implementation Monitoring Committee 2017–
2018. Our other objective, inspired by how cities
like San Jose and Baltimore localized the SDGs,
was to compare the District’s goals and indicators
to the SDGs and their targets and indicators and
to make recommendations on how to address
gaps identified.
5.3.2 Case Studies Context: The City
of Maple Ridge (CMR)
Located 45 kilometers east of Vancouver, Maple
Ridge is a family-oriented community and one of
the fastest growing cities in Metro Vancouver. It
has a vibrant local economy and the most affordable industrial land and real estate in the region.
It is committed to becoming a sustainable community by considering the environmental, social,
and economic impacts of its actions for present
and future generations. The City of Maple Ridge
3 Under British Columbia’s Local Government Act,
municipalities and regional districts are encouraged to
develop an Official Community Plan (OCP) that provides
a long-term vision for the community. An OCP is “a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on
municipal and regional district planning and land use
management” (Province of British Columbia, n.d.).
M. Spiliotopoulou and M. Roseland