An evaluation of the perception of quality of life in northwest British Columbia
Date
1977
Authors
Bergen, Wallace George
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study identifies criteria and evaluates the perception of satisfaction which residents of the northwest of British Columbia hold regarding the quality of life. Since 1971, a series of development proposals have been put forth, of which only a few have been successfully implemented. Direct federal and provincial involvement in the region has been mainly concerned with the provision of highway, railway and port facilities, and the economic support for an existing pulp mill-sawmill complex together with the construction of new sawmills. Stated objectives of all levels of government have included not only the orderly and rational extraction of resources, but also the provision and maintenance of a high standard of quality of life. To date little analysis has been performed regarding the effectiveness of this involvement in influencing resident perceptions of satisfactory and unsatisfactory components of quality of life within the region.
In this study in order to assess the perception of satisfaction by residents within the region, subjective measures of quality of life were utilized. Participant observations and interviews were conducted and questionnaires to households were administered during the summer of 1975. Within the northwest, the communities of Terrace and Smithers were used as case studies, and Squamish in southern British Columbia was utilized for comparative purposes. An holistic approach to the provision of quality of life was stressed, incorporating data relating to the resource base, government and industry, as well as community infrastructures.
Three sets of conclusions .were reached. First, it was concluded that disproportionate levels of satisfaction do not exist between communities in the northwest of British Columbia and Squamish in southern British Columbia, and that demographic characteristics of the sample population do not play a significant role in the determination of satisfaction. Second, it was concluded that certain identified components of quality of life provide dissatisfaction, and that specific measures should be undertaken to minimize their impact. Third, it was concluded that resource development within the northwest has been poorly co-ordinated, with little liaison between participants. Recommendations are made for the establishment of a Northwest Development Authority to co-ordinate and control development and for the establishment of an ongoing commission of public enquiry to provide public input to the decision process.