VIURRSpace (Royal Roads University and Vancouver Island University)
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Snow drop
No full textPressed specimen of Galanthus nivalishttps://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/27245/Vosper.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=
Defining the invisible: Dyslexia and autism in planning
No full textPlanning is at the forefront of helping to improve communities, cities, and public and private spaces. While planning has moved ahead in developing support for physical accessibility considerations it has fallen behind elsewhere. Primarily invisible disabilities like dyslexia and autism have yet to be understood or enter the mainstream of planning. What can other professions studying dyslexia and autism inform us that can help to fill the void currently existing in planning. This paper seeks to address this void by asking how is planning invisible disabilities different than physical disabilities and how might invisible disabilities become an important part of mainstream planning. Research examines current accessibility planning, dyslexia and the choice of fonts, color and shapes and backgrounds and for autism focusing on architecture, sensitivities, and the outdoors that comes together address their questions and direct a path for the future of planning.Thesis/major project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Rethinking and repairing the development approvals process
No full textCopyright (2023) Planning Institute of British Columbia. The following article originally appeared as: Shaw, P., Deshmuks, S., Sakaki, G., McLean, A., Adams, E., Choudhary, P., Gnanasingarajan, N., Sales, L., Holland, M., Evertse, T., & Lai, M. (2023). Rethinking and repairing the development approvals process. Planning West, 65(4), 16-19. The PIBC website can be found at: https://www.pibc.bc.ca/This article profiles a project titled: An Adaptable Development Approvals Process Toolkit (ADAPT)
Addressing Western Asian alienation : exploring the application of multiculturalism in B.C. government messaging to address the rise of anti-Asian racism in B.C. during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textDespite multiculturalism serving as a policy for more than 50 years in Canada and 30 years in British Columbia to build acceptance of cultural diversity, the COVID-19 pandemic has served as an impetus for a resurgence of anti-Asian racism in Canada, particularly in B.C. This study explores how the policy of multiculturalism has been applied in Canada’s westernmost province to address anti-Asian racism, examining its application from a communication perspective and its unique sub-national context. Using a pragmatic, mixed-methods approach, the study involved a survey of Canadians of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean backgrounds living in B.C., and a content analysis of B.C. government messaging related to multiculturalism and anti-Asian racism within the fiscal periods of 2017-18 and 2021-22. The study finds that the provincial government application of multiculturalism focuses on the fundamental acknowledgement of the existence and value of cultural and ethnic diversity rather than on a more advanced application promoting belonging and integration of immigrants into Canadian society. The findings suggest opportunities for government messaging to strengthen its focus on values related to inclusion that are of importance to Canadians of East Asian descent, and a need for the application of multiculturalism to focus on strengthening the sense of belonging between Canadians of all cultural backgrounds and ethnicities to collectively recognize the common values we share as a basis of a common civic identity
[Book review] After 60 and on the edge like Indiana Jones: Amazing adventures through volunteering and travel
No full textCopyright (2023) Planning Institute of British Columbia. The following article originally appeared as: Shaw, P. (2023). [Review of After 60 and on the edge like Indiana Jones: Amazing adventures through volunteering and travel by D. T. Smith]. Planning West, 65(2), 41. Planning West is published by the Planning Institute of British Columbia. The PIBC website can be found at: https://www.pibc.bc.ca/Review of After 60 and on the edge like Indiana Jones: Amazing adventures through volunteering and travel by David Thomas Smith (Altona, Man.: Friesen Press, 2022)
Effects of Eurasian milfoil infestations and controls on water quality and potential impacts on Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussels in the Okanagan Valley
No full textThe Rocky Mountain ridged mussel (hereafter “RMRM”) was under Species at Risk Act review in 2019 to be re-scheduled from "Special Concern" to “Endangered”. This status change did not occur; however, as a consequence of the review, it did result in the restriction of rototilling (Eurasian) milfoil in locations of known RMRM. This study assessed whether current milfoil controls by mowing has altered water quality and habitat characteristics which support potential populations of RMRM in the Okanagan valley compared with controls. Habitat sites surveyed over a single growing season in Osoyoos (a managed lake) and Vaseux (an unmanaged lake) revealed most of the water quality parameters differed, but no RMRM mussels or shells were observed across treatment sites. Recommendations included completing detailed shoreline assessments for RMRM to support more informed and localized decisions on invasive macrophyte management (milfoil) and potential protection of RMRM in their jurisdictions
Developing a decision-making framework for leadership teams
No full textThe inquiry presented here explored the following key research question: How might The Next Institute identify essential components of a decisions-making framework (DMF) that will be used to support our leadership team in making effective business decisions that enhance business outcomes? The organizational sponsor of this research was The Next Institute. This research inquiry was grounded in action research methodology and supported The Next Institute’s core values of inquiry, story and client led design. Ten senior and experienced organizational leaders were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews based on the narrative inquiry research method. Six people representing an existing and intact leadership team participated in the group-based method or workshop. Key findings of this research inquiry include identification of five core aspects of decision-making: 1) Bias and barriers are faced in all decisions; 2) Brainstorming is essential; 3) Decisions require alignment to strategy and vision; 4) Systems Thinking supports risk assessment; and 5) Accountability strengthens commitment to action and results. This thesis adheres to Royal Roads University’s Research Ethics Policy.
Keywords: Decision-Making, Leadership, Leadership Teams, Decision-Making Framework, Systems Thinking, Complexit
Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in inclusive classrooms
No full textWith the rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this study suggests a shift toward more inclusive classrooms is required. Literature in the field identified teachers’ lack of experience, knowledge and training on ASD (Finke et al., 2009; Corkum et al., 2014), and the resulting negative influence on their self-efficacy and attitude (Busby et al., 2012; Johnson et al., 2021; Corona et al., 2016) as well as specific strategies useful when including students with ASD in general classrooms (Danlap et al., 2010; Leonard & Smyth, 2020). Survey research involving two distinct participant groups: K-7 teachers on southern Vancouver Island and parents of students with ASD, was used to respond to the question, What professional development and classroom resources do K-7 teachers and parents of students with autism say are needed to better support elementary students with autism in inclusive classrooms? Study findings affirmed professional development is necessary. Participant topic priorities include basic knowledge of ASD, Universal Design for Learning, and ASD Acceptance and Advocacy. Teachers noted how others’ values and attitudes impact inclusion, while parents emphasized the importance of creating positive relationships and accessible classroom environments that respect neurodiversity. Parents said inclusive classrooms impact student success and parent satisfaction levels. Several online training modules will be developed based on study findings; however, more is required to address the substantial gaps in teacher knowledge. Comprehensive professional development on ASD is recommended
A 15-minute Nanaimo?
No full textWe’re standing in the exact same spot. But you’re in a 15-minute city and I’m not. Why? We examine the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia, to find (overlapping amenity isochrone) zones where residents can live and have 15-minute walking access to “essential” (grocery, pharmacy) and “basic quality of life” amenities (recreational space, library, museum/gallery/theater/cinema, restaurant/pub, and cafe/coffee), but also daycares, public schools, foodbanks, and walk-in clinics. Depending on one’s needs, there are different 15-minute walking zones within the City. As one’s needs increase, fewer and smaller residential zones continue to qualify as 15-minute walkable. Of all the city neighbourhoods, downtown and downtown-adjacent Nanaimo offer the most extensive 15-minute walkability for residents, even residents with the most extensive needs. Initial investigation suggests that these zones offer affordable shelter for most of the top three income quintiles, but are on average unaffordable for those in the two lower income quintiles. Amenity overlap is greatest in residentially dense areas, and residential density provides more residents with walkability to existing amenities (and amenity owners with a proximate consumer base). As a result, A) zoning to permit density-increasing developments around amenity concentrations and, conversely, amenity development in areas of greater residential density (as well as pedestrian-friendly infrastructural improvements) – or B) combined amenity-residential density zoning in areas lacking both – would improve 15-minute walkability in the City of Nanaimo.https://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/27446/15-MinuteNanaimo.pdf?sequence=
Where can we grow kelp? Evaluating data for the selection of N. luetkeana seaforestation and aquaculture sites in British Columbia nearshore waters
No full textIncreasing the biomass of macroalgae on the British Columbian coast can have positive impacts on habitat, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and food security. Identifying areas that could support high kelp productivity is a valuable, yet often underemphasized, step prior to establishing locations suitable for seaforestation — a regenerative practice that aims to grow resilient marine ecosystems. Sections of the British Columbian (BC) coastline were examined to identify favourable conditions for Nereocystis luetkeana forest development based on available oceanographic information and direct measurements of existing distributions of N. luetkeana. Potential opportunities for seaforestation or macroalgae aquaculture in British Columbia are then identified. Study sites were analyzed to test whether the free and accessible data examined herein are useful for the placement of N. luetkeana seaforestation efforts. The product of this study is steps to help guide bull kelp seaforestation site selection along with recommendations to improve the methodology around site selection