Our Research

The CDI maintains a clear focus on research and on providing access to valuable resources toward the goal of increasing knowledge and understanding and building capacity around community, regional, and economic development. Our goal is to balance both applied and basic work so as to maintain academic credibility and to be of practical relevance to communities.

The information in this section is organized by topic. Please contact us if you need help finding information or have a question about any of the research or resources included here.

  • Economic Development Framework of Small Communities in Canada

    • Community and Economic Development and Transformation

    2004

    In 2003 – 2004, the Community Development Institute partnered with the Rural and Small Town Studies Centre at Mount Allison University on a project to create an analytical tool to assess the size, population density, economic characteristics, and economic maturity status of small communities in Canada.  The project developed a framework by which to gauge the stage of economic development of small communities, and the presence and direction of any trends. The project was funded by CMHC as a result of their interest in Special Risk Communities.

    The project included 4 phases:

    Phase I – develop an inventory of “small” communities, with appropriate definitions/rationales

    Phase II – develop a method for “clustering” communities into economic sectors or activities

    Phase III – develop a framework for assessing stage of economic development activity

    Phase IV – test framework with real world Canadian examples

    Economic Development Framework of Small Communities in Canada - Final Report

  • Mackenzie and Area Seniors' Needs Overview

    • Age-friendly Communities
    • Housing

    2004

    The purpose of this project is to examine housing and support service needs for seniors in the District of Mackenzie and surrounding area. The work is being carried out by a research team from UNBC with the goal to provide decision-makers and community groups in Mackenzie and area with information relevant to decision-making over community planning and infrastructure investments.

    The project involves four investigations. These include an analysis of local population, an assessment of the housing and services' needs of seniors in small town and rural locations, a collation of views and opinions from seniors and decision-makers in Mackenzie and area, and a survey of local seniors to collect information on needs and expectations.

    The project reports include:

  • McBride and Area Skills Inventory Assessment Survey

    • Community and Economic Development and Transformation
    • Workforce Deployment and Development

    2004

    The community of McBride, and its surrounding area, is emerging from a transition period. During the past two years, some dramatic changes have taken place with moves of late contributing to an improving economy in the McBride area.

    The McBride and Area Industrial Adjustment Committee has identified a community priority to support the expansion of existing businesses and be ready for the introduction of new businesses. A Skills Inventory Assessment Survey will help identify the skills, education, experience, and local interests of the workforce in the McBride area. This tool will be very useful for existing businesses that are expanding as well as for new businesses.

    Please click here for the final report McBride and Area Skills Inventory Assessment Survey

  • Northern BC Economic Development Vision and Strategy Project

    • Community and Economic Development and Transformation

    2004

    The Northern BC Economic Development Vision and Strategy Project coordinated a set of meetings across northern BC to collect input and recommendations from a diverse set of stakeholder groups. Through a series of individual interviews and facilitated workshops, this input focused on the key issues of a northern vision, supportive policy development, community and infrastructure investment, and regional coordination.

    The project undertook a community driven process that reviewed key challenges and opportunities relative to the economic development and diversification of northern BC communities. The final report identified a framework for action aimed at creating the mechanisms necessary to engage, mobilize, and coordinate key resources and stakeholders for the creation of a northern economic development strategy. Since completion, many of the report recommendations have been enacted by various levels of government.

    Funding for the project came from Western Economic Diversification.

    For more details: https://www2.unbc.ca/greg-halseth/printable-research-publications#TRCT

  • BC Resource Communities: Factors Influencing Public Participation in Resource Management

    • Community and Economic Development and Transformation

    2003

    This research investigated community dynamics and factors influencing effective participation and decision-making in British Columbia’s resource dependent communities. The research identified defining elements of “community” which are key to effective participation in community development decision-making and resource planning, allocation and management. The research findings will be of direct value to managers seeking to maximize returns on community development assistance and those seeking to make effective use of community involvement in the new types of consultation processes.

    For more details: Components of the BC Resource Communities Project

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