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From Right-of-Way to Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in Pipeline Right-of-Way Restoration in Northeast British Columbia
No full text2025Driven by global oil and gas demand, industrial development in Northeast British Columbia has significantly fragmented the boreal forest ecosystem, with pipeline right-of-way being a key contributor. Regulatory frameworks, critical for shaping restoration outcomes, remain fragmented and inconsistent. This study examined how the current regulatory framework influences ecological restoration for pipeline right-of-way in the region. Through document analysis and key informant interviews, the research identified regulatory gaps, compliance challenges, and barriers to effective restoration efforts along these linear anthropogenic impacts. Findings highlight where, in the absence of a cohesive regulatory framework, permit holders employ inconsistent methods, with many meeting minimal compliance standards rather than achieving meaningful ecological recovery. Increased regulatory clarity, effective assessment mechanisms, and improved knowledge-sharing networks could enhance restoration outcomes. Addressing barriers through policy reform, region specific-research, and collaborative engagement is essential for supporting long-term ecological resilience in Northeast British Columbia’s boreal forests
VIU Library Collections Spend Breakdown 2023-24
No full textA list of VIU Library collections-related expenses by format, acquisition model, and individual products. This includes data for fiscal year 2023-24.A list of VIU Library collections-related expenses by format, acquisition model, and individual products. This includes data for fiscal year 2023-24
Caught in the Crossfire: Exploring Impacts on Young Adults in Russo-Ukrainian Conflict Zones
No full text2025This study explores the psychological, socio-economic, and cultural impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on young adults (aged 18-40), with a focus on how these factors influence resilience and coping mechanisms. Through a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured panel interviews with seventeen participants, and a survey with forty-seven respondents. The research identified how war disrupts the lives of young adults and the role of resilience in their adaption. Survey results show that 94% of respondents reported significant stress and anxiety, aligning with trauma models that highlight emotional distress during prolonged conflict. Many respondents, particularly those displaced within Ukraine or to neighbouring countries, also faced job insecurity and disrupted education, compounding their socio-economic challenges. Despite these hardships, most demonstrated resilience, supported by strong family and community networks. This study also highlighted the gendered nature of the conflict, with young men disproportionally affected by conscription pressures.This research fills critical gaps in the literature by examining how societal perceptions of mental health, government policies on displacement and education, and the availability of psychological support systems all play a critical role in shaping young adults resilience, factors that remained largely underexamined in Ukrainian contexts prior to the Russian invasion in 2022. It also contributes to a deeper understanding of the unique socio-political and cultural context of Ukraine, comparing fragmented governmental response to recent efforts for a more integrated approach. Focusing on resilience within the Ukrainian context, this study provides important insights into the challenges young adults face in conflict zones and the need for targeted interventions in mental health, education, and economic recovery
Analyzing the Role of Fast Charging Infrastructure on EV Adoption in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: An Analysis Using Structural Equation Modelling
No full text2025At the request of the author, this work is not available to view until April 23, 2026
This study examines the impact of charging infrastructure on electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on the utilization of Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs) among residents of multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and non-MURBs in the City of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Using structural equation modelling, three models were tested to determine how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control influence EV adoption and DCFC utilization. Data were gathered through an online survey of 2,599 respondents. The findings show that the use of DCFC positively impacts the intention to adopt EVs, however, attitudes toward EVs appear to have a higher influence on the intention to adopt an EV, particularly among MURB residents. For DCFC utilization, perceived behavioural control emerges as a key factor, having a dominant effect on MURB and non-MURB residents. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to increase attitudes and perceived behavioural control among MURB and non-MURB residents
Death in the Curriculum: A Terror Management Theory Assessment of Emotions and Mortality Reminders in Post-Secondary Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Courses at Selected Canadian Universities
No full text2024Interdisciplinary Environmental Education (IEE) has been designed to provide students with knowledge, awareness, skills, and motivation for environmental stewardship. Educators are responsible for building their students’ action competence to engage in environmental/climate action and effectively solve ecological problems. However, Terror Management Theory (TMT) researchers have found that mortality awareness triggers deep-rooted psychological defenses that may prompt unexpected and unwanted reactions and behaviors that counter pro-environmental objectives. We aim to understand the interaction between mortality salience reminders (MSR) and emotions in the Canadian post-secondary IEE curriculum. Content analysis of faculty interviews and curricular materials revealed Fear as the prevalent emotion associated with death-thought prompts and an overall negative emotional load within eight courses taught in two post-secondary case studies. Our analysis also indicated that some educators do not intentionally provoke a particular affective climate, while others deliberately instill hope and confidence when addressing environmental issues
Efficacy of Nest Boxes for Wild Bumblebees as a Supplemental Pollination Strategy in Highbush Blueberry
Full text link2025Commercial highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L) growers use managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies as the primary pollination strategy, yet in many respects wild bumblebee species (Bombus spp. L) are better suited. Studies on the use of nest boxes to augment wild bumblebee populations are limited and have focused solely on nest box occupation, without determining whether there is any subsequent increase in bumblebee visitation to flowers in the field. This two-year study evaluated the use of nest boxes in blueberry production systems in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia (BC), Canada. I measured both nest box occupation as well as the rate of bumblebee visitation on flowers and the impact of land use on both outcomes. I found 10% nest box occupation in 2022 and 18% occupation in 2023. Semi-natural habitat had a contrasting effect on both box occupation and in-field observations. Occupied boxes had a positive effect on bumblebee observations in 2023 when there were fewer bees present overall, pointing to potential for mitigating pollination deficits
An Analysis of the Social and Political Elements Influencing the Emerging Kelp Aquaculture Industry in British Columbia
No full text2025The rise of the blue economy, as a political strategy, academic focus, and economic category, demonstrates strong global and regional desires for environmentally sustainable development in the marine space. Aquaculture is a key category in the blue economy. Seaweed aquaculture has been steadily increasing worldwide because of its potential to address multiple social priorities, such as environmental restoration, increased food production, and diversification of coastal industries. In British Columbia, there has been a rapid increase in businesses established around kelp aquaculture over the last decade. In this time frame there is also increased political and social interest in ocean economies. However, there is little regionally specific research on the strengths and hurdles that British Columbia holds for the industry, especially from a socio-political lens. This research utilized a grounded theory methodology. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with a focus on understanding the goals of industry participants and their perceptions about the local opportunities and threats for kelp aquaculture. Analysis was conducted through open coding of interview transcripts and assessment of the most commonly coded ideas. Generally, interviewees involved in commercial kelp ventures indicated a strong sense of optimism for the industry. Findings show that the sustainability narrative surrounding seaweeds may have bolstered the success of the local kelp industry over the past few years, but momentum is largely driven by the discourse around its potential – not its proof of concept. The topics of food security, environmental benefits, and new economic opportunities for coastal communities were commonly raised as potential boons of the industry. The largest hurdle faced by the industry was seen to be the current governance and regulatory structures. Additionally, Indigenous relationships – and how Indigenous organizations and individuals are involved in the development of, and the benefits derived from the expansion of British Columbia kelp aquaculture – are an important consideration. This thesis provides a critical analysis of key topics related to the early development of the local kelp aquaculture industry in the context of the blue economy. Understanding the regionality of these elements is critical to translating good intentions into positive actions. This research concludes that, without renewed regulations, integrated spatial management plans, and incentives that allow socio-ecological priorities to dominate the pervasive capitalistic influence on product development, aquaculture expansion in British Columbia, at best, risks failing to meet its potential, and at worst, could further exploit or marginalize key stake and rights holders and threaten wild kelp ecosystems
Measuring tourism impacts: the critical role of residents' perceptions and sentiments
No full textOvertourism has become a growing concern in many tourism-dependent destinations worldwide, leading to environmental degradation, rising costs of living, and conflict between residents and visitors. In Canada, tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, with popular destinations like Tofino experiencing significant visitor influx, particularly during peak seasons. While tourism brings economic benefits, its impacts on local communities remain a subject of debate. This study examines residents' perceptions of tourism impacts in Tofino and highlights the importance of incorporating these perceptions into tourism planning and policy. By comparing subjective perceptions with objective tourism data, this research aims to identify potential gaps and provide insights into how tourism development affects the local community. A quantitative survey was conducted to assess residents' views on tourism's environmental, economic, and sociocultural impacts. The study also explored residents' perceived level of involvement in tourism decision-making. The results indicated that while residents recognized tourism’s economic contributions and its role in conservation efforts, concerns persisted regarding environmental degradation, increased costs of living, housing affordability, traffic congestion, and seasonal overcrowding. Additionally, many residents felt not actively involved in tourism planning processes, raising questions about transparency and engagement. However, it is important to note that the results cannot be generalized due to the sample size. Findings suggest the need for improved communication between tourism organizations and residents. This research highlights the significance of aligning tourism development with community interests to foster a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry
Segmenting visitor behaviour in the Comox Valley: a comparative analysis of purpose-based Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) and holiday tourists
No full textThis study compares the behaviour of Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) tourists with holiday tourists in the Comox Valley region, British Columbia. Drawing on General Consumer Behaviour Theory, Expected Utility Theory with Utility Maximization Model, and Distance Decay Theory, the research tests five hypotheses concerning activity preferences, accommodation choice, likelihood of recommending the destination, transport mode, and temporal patterns of travel. Findings reveal a divergent accommodation preference pattern. 58.6 % of VFR visitors relied exclusively on non‑commercial accommodation versus 8.7 % of holiday tourists (χ² = 62.18, p < .001). Importance ratings for certain outdoor activities also differed, indicating that the two segments value the destination’s recreational offerings in subtly different ways. By contrast, segments did not differ significantly in Net Promoter Score categories, main transportation mode, overall trip nights (t = –1.03, p = .304), or the allocation of time spent in certain destination. In summary, the findings suggest that in the Comox Valley region the behavioural differences between the two groups of tourists are not dramatic. The different lodging choices may be due to the fact that utility attainment for VFR visitors relied on social bonds rather than the experience of traveling. In contrast, the convergence of trip length, mode of transportation, and satisfaction with Comox Valley region suggests that all short-haul tourists in this context of Comox Valley region may share common constraints. Therefore, local DMOs should target short-haul tourists in BC with packages that promote social bonding-oriented travel and relevant information about local communities, as well as avoid assuming large behavioural differences when designing transportation or length-of-stay programs for the broader tourist market
Leveraging DEI to Enhance Collective Creativity and Organizational Learning at Jiva Consulting
No full text2026This thesis explores how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can support the learning organization at Jiva Consulting, a small Calgary-based firm specializing in knowledge transfer within the energy industry. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm and guided by Appreciative Inquiry methodology, the research engaged current Jiva team members through a focus group, semi-structured interviews, and a collaborative dissemination process. The inquiry was guided by the central question: How might DEI be leveraged to enhance collective creativity and support Jiva Consulting as a learning organization? Six findings emerged, highlighting the importance of intentional DEI practices, distributed leadership, psychological safety, curiosity, vulnerability, and the influence of early socialization on equity values. These findings informed a set of prioritized, participant-informed recommendations designed to integrate DEI more deeply into Jiva’s organizational strategy, team dynamics, and learning systems. Key conclusions emphasized the importance of cultural alignment, shared accountability, and reflective leadership practices in sustaining DEI momentum. The inquiry also surfaced broader personal and systemic themes, including the emotional labour of inclusion, the role of family in shaping equity values, and the complexity of hiring for difference. Through this process, DEI was affirmed not as a discrete initiative, but as a relational and evolving practice embedded in how people learn, lead, and belong together. The thesis concludes with reflections on learning as ceremony, the role of community, and the possibility that meaningful change begins not with knowing, but with curiosity and care