The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation continue to implement their award winning CCP

The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation continue to implement their award winning CCP Sep. 7, 2022 KHFN make the news again with another big step in implementing their Comprehensive Community Plan, which was supported by EcoPlan. This time it is new camping facilities at Buddy Bay, near the village of Gwa’yas’dums. Click here for North Island Gazette […]

EcoPlan In Alaska – 2 Major Planning Awards and a APA Feature Blog!

APA Feature: The Power of Planning in a Remote and Rural Context EcoPlan International and the City of St. George Alaska win two major planning awards: Canadian Institute of Planners – National Planning Award for Planning Excellence (July 2021) American Planning Association – Western Planners Award (August 2021) Here is what the judges had to […]

Regional Economic Development Strategy released for Pemberton area

EcoPlan International provided technical economic development analysis and planning support to the participating community representatives at the Economic Development Collaborative table which resulted in the successful Regional Economic Development Strategy  for Pemberton area. The Strategy’s plan focuses on 36 regional priorities for boosting the economy. EcoPlan worked closely with Clear Course Consulting Ltd. who provided project […]

Congratulations to Unangan community of St. George, Alaska!

January 8, 2021 In January 2020, EcoPlan International helped St. George with the development of their Economic Development Strategy: Rebuilding Our Future – Kayutuuxtxin Tanagnangin Igayuusalix angagiimchin agnaxtxichin ( https://www.stgeorgealaska.org/). A key component of this was the development of a new harbour. In December 2020, the US Federal Government passed the Water Resources Development Act […]

EcoPlan’s Technical Evaluation Support of the Stewardship Training Program Shared by Coastal First Nations

In the fall of 2019, the Coastal Stewardship Network (CSN), a program of Coastal First Nations – Great Bear Initiative (CFN), retained EcoPlan International to support an evaluation of their Stewardship Technician Training Program (STTP). The evaluation  informed on-going program design and delivery of STTP; shared the STTP story with stewardship departments, participating communities, and […]

EcoPlan International is working with United Nations to support the project: “Global Building of Economic Resilience During and After COVID-19”

EPI, contracted with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and working with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) as the two executing agencies, is supporting the development of a global project document as well as providing technical analysis and planning support of Covid 19 recovery efforts in in Accra (Ghana), Yaoundé […]

Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy wins Award of Planning Excellence

Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy wins Award of Planning Excellence (Merit) for Climate Change Planning: The Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) is a multi-year undertaking that identified the current and potential impacts of climate change on Surrey’s large coastal floodplain area—a  long-term strategy to reduce climate change-driven coastal flooding risks. Launched in 2016, and one of […]

Seminar & Paper on The Use of Structured Decision Support for Valuing Lost Cultural Benefits Associated with Environmental Injuries

William Trousdale (President EcoPlan International) with David A. Hanson (Principal HansonRM) give seminar and paper on: THE USE OF STRUCTURED DECISION SUPPORT FOR VALUING LOST CULTURAL BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES As part of the 5th International Conference on Environmental and Economic Impact on Sustainable Development, Trousdale and Hanson present a method for scaling the value of […]

Special Issues for Impacts to Cultural Services Seminar on Consultation on Environmental Issues

William Trousdale (President EcoPlan International) with David A. Hanson (Principal HansonRM) gave  a seminar on Consultation on Environmental Issues: Impacts to Cultural Services. The seminar presented a framework, applications and case studies for using multicriteria attribute theory and structured decision support to avoid impacts, mitigate for, or restore cultural services. Trousdale and Hanson discussed how […]

EcoPlan’s Anne-Marie Whitaker helps Cumberland to be ‘age-friendly’ for seniors

Older residents still make about a sizeable portion of Village population If Cumberland has young families moving in, there are still many seniors in the community. At the same meeting as a presentation on local child care demand and resources, council was presented with a report on how to make Cumberland more “age-friendly.” “Age-friendly planning […]

Coastal Flooding Adaptation Strategy (CFAS) honoured with inaugural Climate Adaptation award from the Community Energy Association

The City of Surrey was honoured with the inaugural Climate Adaption award from the Community Energy Association at this year’s Union of BC Municipalities Convention. EcoPlan is a key member of the project consulting team led by Northwest Hydraulics. With a recent $76 million grant from the Federal Government through their Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund, […]

William Trousdale Presents on Indigenous Knowledge and Value Driven Planning to a Full House at the Western Planners Conference

In a joint session with Emigdio Ballon and Gailey Morgan of Pueblo of Tesuque, William presented on the integration of western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge in the context of climate change. Further he provided a case study on how Swinomish Tribal Community integrated methods derived from decision science and behavioral research with local protocols […]

William Trousdale Invited to Jena University in Germany

In June, William Trousdale was invited to Jena University in Germany to give a seminar on Structured Decision Support and Negotiation to graduate students of the Applied Ethics and Conflict Resolution program. The introductory seminar explored how ethics, which gives “big picture” support to a decision based “Value Approach” can advance “pragmatic ethics” principles.

Coastal Adaptation Plan – Fraser River Foreshore wins Award of Excellence in Planning (Gold)

EcoPlan was honoured with an Award of Planning Excellence (Gold) in the Research & New Directions in Planning category from the Planning Institute of BC. Working with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Connect Landscape Architecture and the City of Vancouver, the Coastal Adaptation Plan – Fraser River Foreshore is one component of a larger, multi-year undertaking to […]

EcoPlan wins a 2019 PIBC Award for Excellence in Planning (Gold) in Research and New Directions in Planning

The City of Vancouver’s Coastal Adaptation Plan (CAP) – Fraser River Foreshore is a path-breaking approach to values-based coastal adaption planning. With EcoPlan’s support, the project used a participatory, values-based approach to engage residents, stakeholders, and other partners, including Musqueam Indian Band. The felt that “the plan addressed the urgency for action regarding climate adaptation, […]

Swinomish Coastal Climate Impacts: Community Health Impact Assessment

Date: 2016 -2017 As part of the Swinomish project on The Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts: Coastal Climate Impacts to First Foods, Cultural Sites, and Tribal Community Health and Well-being, Swinomish wanted to get community input on coastal climate impacts to community health and well-being, and to assess and prioritize […]

Congratulations Abbotsford!

Congratulations Abbotsford! Abbotsford has been named a Global Top7 Intelligent Community, 2019 We hope our support with your Economic Development Strategy and Innovation Forums contributed to this impressive honor: https://www.intelligentcommunity.org/the_intelligent_community_forum_names_the_global_top7_intelligent_communities_of_2019  

Driftpile First Nation Tourism Opportunities Study

EcoPlan conducted a detailed regional tourism market assessment, opportunity analysis and community-based structured decision-making process to help identify, and prioritize tourism development opportunities for an Aboriginal community located in northern Alberta. The project included an evaluation of three opportunities that had already been identified by the community and involved the creation of an advisory committee […]

Cowichan 2050 Regional Collaboration Framework Receives Honourable Mention in UBCM’s Community Excellence Awards

EcoPlan’s work with the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has recently been recognized by UBCM’s Excellence in Governance awards. Receiving an honourable mention in the governance category, the Cowichan 2050 Regional Collaboration Framework is a leading-edge statutory policy tool and collaborative approach to regional planning and decision-making. Emphasizing regional collaboration, communication, and coordination, its purpose […]

Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit: Finding Bimadizowin Wins National Award

Last week, the Canadian Institute of Planners announced its 2018 award winners and EcoPlan’s work with the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) and the CCP Advisory Committee on the Comprehensive Community Planning Toolkit: Finding Bimadizowin has won an award! The CCP Toolkit, which is a guide and kit of resources to support better planning in Indigenous […]

EcoPlan supports historic agreement between the District of Lillooet, P’egp’íg’lha Council (T’ít’q’et) and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

EcoPlan provided support for a historic agreement between the District of Lillooet, P’egp’íg’lha Council (T’ít’q’et) and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, signed on May 24, 2018. Over the past year, EcoPlan worked with the Intergovernmental Relations Working Group, a group composed of elected officials and staff from the District of Lillooet, Lillooet Tribal Council, P’egp’íg’lha Council, […]

William Trousdale’s work in sustainable tourism insightful over the decades

William Trousdale’s work on sustainable tourism in the popular island of Boracay, Philippines is still proving relevant, as referenced on Filipino news site Inquirer.net. The article, which quotes William’s 1998 landmark study titled “Governance in Context: Boracay Island, Philippines”, discusses how Boracay has shifted from an agricultural community to a tourist destination, and the impacts […]

Land Use Mapping and Interview Guide

Land Use Mapping and Interview Guide Client: Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation EPI supported KHFN with training and development of a TUS mapping framework and an interview guide. KHFN then conducted their own TUS study.

Translink Strategic Health Impact Assessment (SHIA)

Translink Strategic Health Impact Assessment (SHIA) EPI supported TransLink in undertaking a structured decision process with health professionals from around the region and other parts of British Columbia. The purpose was to review the draft Strategic Health Impact Assessment being developed to aid in the generation and evaluation of alternatives under consideration for TransLink’s Regional […]

Yukusam Cultural Ecotourism Feasibility Analysis

Yukusam Cultural Ecotourism Feasibility Analysis Date: 2005 EcoPlan assessed the feasibility of a multi-phase eco-tourism and cultural education project for Yukusam (Hanson Island) near Alert Bay off the northeast end of Vancouver Island. The study tested the financial viability and sustainability of a cultural interpretative facility and trail network to be developed by the N’amgis […]

Yukon River Salmon Cooperative Business Development

Yukon River Salmon Cooperative Business Development Date: 2000-2005 Dawson City, Yukon is home to Canada’s northernmost commercial salmon fishery. Beginning in 2000, EcoPlan worked with the Yukon River Commercial Fishing Association to develop a co-operative salmon processing plant that could provide a viable market for the fish and create a high-end export product for both […]

Yale First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan and Land Use Plan

Yale First Nation Comprehensive Community Plan and Land Use Plan Date: 2012-2014 EcoPlan worked with Colliers International and Yale First Nation, BC’s newest Treaty First Nation, to develop a Comprehensive Community Plan and supporting Land Use Plan for the Nation’s Treaty Settlement Lands and former reserve areas. Due to funding and Treaty implementation obligations, the […]

Xwísten Website

Xwísten Website Date: 2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to completely redesign (in form and function) their website in order to better meet communications needs with members, funders, and other stakeholders. The need for improved communications, especially with members (on and off-reserve), was identified in their 2014 Comprehensive Community Plan, and this plan is guiding the […]

Xwísten Traditional Use Lands Study

Xwísten Traditional Use Lands Study Date: 2014-2015 Land tenure on First Nation reserves can be complicated. Without clarity of tenure, it can create community conflict and stall community development. EcoPlan worked with Xwísten (Bridge River Indian Band) to tackle this challenging issue. Through research and interviews, EcoPlan and Xwísten developed a greater understanding of family […]

Xwísten Human Resources Policy

Xwísten Human Resources Policy Date: 2015 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to write their human resources policy, ensuring that it was compliant with federal and provincial laws, met best practices for First Nations human resources management, and met the needs of members, staff and Council.The project sought to formalize and standardize the existing human resources practices in […]

Xwisten Highest and Best Use Study

Xwisten Highest and Best Use Study Date: 2017 EcoPlan worked with Lillooet Salish Enterprises to conduct a Highest and Best Use (HBU) study for three properties that they own in Lillooet BC, including two commercial and one multi-purpose industrial site. The study included an economic base analysis of the Lillooet area, site analysis for each of the […]

Xwísten Experiences Site Plan and Improvements

Xwísten Experiences Site Plan and Improvements Date: 2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to develop a master plan and promotional brochure for the Xwisten Experiences cultural tourism program.  This included site plans and phased improvements for a visitor’s centre, viewing areas, and trails.

Xwísten Comprehensive Community Plan

Xwísten Comprehensive Community Plan Date: 2012-2014 EcoPlan worked with Xwísten to develop their first Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP). With extensive participation, this project was an opportunity to bring the community together through multiple Community Gatherings, youth workshops, dinners, and other activities.  Two surveys were also used to make sure on- and off-reserve members had a chance […]

Whistler Waldorf Site Plan

Whistler Waldorf Site Plan Date: 2012 Working with the Whistler Waldorf School, a private educational institution ranging from pre-school to high school levels, EcoPlan developed a conceptual site plan and policy analysis for a new school permanent school to be sited at the location of the existing temporary school.  The project included working with the Resort […]

Waterville Valley Residential/Golf Project; New Hampshire

Waterville Valley Residential/Golf Project; New Hampshire Date: 1991 The highest and best use was established and value determined for this proposed golf course. Regional dynamics and tourism trends greatly influenced this analysis.

Urban Naturalization in Canada: A Guidebook for Canadian Municipalities

Urban Naturalization in Canada: A Guidebook for Canadian Municipalities Date: 2002 EcoPlan researched and wrote a nationally disseminated policy and program guidebook for Evergreen Canada to assist municipalities incorporate naturalization in their official plans, policies, environmental programs and operating procedures. Intended primarily for land-use planners, park managers, landscape architects, ecologists and other professionals, the guide can […]

Tri-Nations Environmental Initiative – Feasibility Study and Business Model

Tri-Nations Environmental Initiative – Feasibility Study and Business Model Date: 2016 EcoPlan worked with the Tri-Nations of Kitselas, Haisla and Kitsumkalum to identify the economic opportunities available to the Tri-Nations in land reclamation, restoration, and environmental monitoring, as well as the human resource skills and assets of Tri-Nation citizens required to take advantage of those opportunities […]

Treaty 7 Protected Areas Sustainable Tourism Situation Assessment

Treaty 7 Protected Areas Sustainable Tourism Situation Assessment Date: 2009-2010 EcoPlan identified sustainable and pro-poor economic opportunities within the region’s tourism sector. Beginning with a site analysis of the Nation’s Timber Limit Reserve, opportunities for forest-based nature tourism were identified and assessed according to their potential impacts on the livelihoods of local community stakeholders. With the […]

Transport Canada Case Studies

Transport Canada Case Studies Date: 2007-2010 For the past several years, EcoPlan has provided ongoing research services to Transport Canada for sustainable transportation projects and planning approaches. Our work has created over 30 case studies and issue papers for Transport Canada’s Information Network, a forum for transportation practitioners and other observers to share information and lessons […]

Translink Structured Decision-Making Course

Translink Structured Decision-Making Course Date: 2013 Working with other experts in the field of structured decision-making (Mike Harstone of Compass Resource Management, Dr. Robin Gregory of Value Scope Research, and Basil Stumborg, BC Hydro’s Decision Analysis Expert for Energy Planning and Economic Development), EcoPlan developed and delivered a three day structured decision-making (SDM) course for Translink […]

Training Strategy for Ta’an Kwäch’än Local Economic Development

Training Strategy for Ta’an Kwäch’än Local Economic Development Date: 2006-2007 EcoPlan collaborated with Beringia Planning to develop a twenty-five year strategic plan and local economic development training program for the Ta’an Kwäch’än First Nation in Whitehorse, Yukon. The project included an extensive labour market/human resources SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and an integrated community capacity […]

Training of Trainers and Technical Planning Support – Strategic Planning for Local Economic Development

Training of Trainers and Technical Planning Support – Strategic Planning for Local Economic Development Date: 2002-2006 EcoPlan worked with UN-HABITAT, local partners and Canadian federal partners (Industry Canada, CIDA) to develop and lead several Train-the-Trainer workshops and conferences in Romania, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Chile and Mexico. Focusing on strategic planning for LED, […]

Training in Comprehensive Community Planning

Training in Comprehensive Community Planning Date: 2016-2017 EcoPlan led a 2-day training for Nokiiwin Tribal Council’s six communities in the Thunder Bay / Lake Nipigon area. This included an overview of values- based decision making, project planning, strategic planning, and community engagement in the context of developing Comprehensive Community Plans for First Nations. The training included […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project- Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement (Update 2010 & 2011)

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project- Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement (Update 2010 & 2011) Date: 2010-2011 To help facilitate the recognition of Métis Aboriginal rights, the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC) retained EcoPlan to assist in the Métis Traditional Settlements Traditional Land Use Mapping and Oral History Project. EcoPlan led an initial pilot project […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project (Implementation Phase) – Paddle Prairie, Kikino and East Prairie Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Project (Implementation Phase) – Paddle Prairie, Kikino and East Prairie Métis Settlements Date: 2009-2011 EcoPlan conducted three concurrent Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping projects in the Paddle Prairie, Kikino, and East Prairie Métis Settlements. This was the first phase of work that moved beyond ‘pilot’ status and […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 3) – Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 3) – Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis Settlements Date: 2008-2009 EcoPlan conducted a third round of pilot projects at the Fishing Lake and Elizabeth Métis settlements, refining the processes and tools used in previous pilot phases. These projects began with training and capacity building exercises, a needs assessment and […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 2) – Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 2) – Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements Date: 2007-2009 EcoPlan conducted a second pilot phase of the Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping project that focused on the Gift Lake and Peavine Métis Settlements. Information was recorded on interview forms and maps that were […]

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 1) – Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement

Traditional Land Use and Historical Communities Mapping Pilot Project (Phase 1) – Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Date: 2004-2005 To help facilitate the recognition of Métis Aboriginal rights, the Métis Settlements General Council (MSGC) retained EcoPlan to assist in the Métis Traditional Settlements Traditional Land Use Mapping and Oral History Project. EcoPlan led a an initial pilot project […]

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development

Traditional Land Use and Environmental Impacts of Proposed CNRL Development Date: 2016 EcoPlan was retained by Elizabeth Lake Métis Settlement (EMS) to provide a review of the community’s issues, concerns, and suggested mitigation regarding potential impacts to their traditional use areas from the developments proposed for the Cold Lake Oil Sands Area. The review built on […]