Dan Shrubsole

GIS^multicriteria evaluation with ordered weighted averaging (OWA): case study of developing watershed management strategies

This paper focuses on the parameterized-ordered weighted averaging (OWA) method. OWA is a family of multicriteria evaluation (or combination) rules. The proposed approach uses a parameter that serves as a mechanism for guiding multicriteria evaluation procedures. The parameter is incorporated into a method for obtaining the optimal order weights and for developing a transformation function. The function provides us with a consistent way of modifying the criterion values so that the multicriteria combination procedures can be guided by specifying a single parameter. The parameterized-OWA method has been implemented in a GIS environment as a GIS–OWA module and it has been tested in a real-world situation for developing management strategies in the Cedar Creek watershed in Ontario, Canada. Given a set of evaluation criteria, the problem is to evaluate areas in the watershed for rehabilitation and enhancement projects. Using the GIS–OWA method, a number of alternative strategies for rehabilitation and enhancement projects have been generated and evaluated.

Using Economic Instruments for Water Demand Management: Introduction

Water is an important input for many industrial sectors including manufacturing, mining and energy generation. Industrial water use differs from other sectors in its high reliance on self-supplied water, the potential for internal water recycling and the possibility of use leading to diminished water quality. Furthermore, industrial water use has a number of interrelated components including intake, internal recirculation, treatment prior to and following use and discharge. In principle, each of these activities can be expected to depend upon the economic and regulatory environment facing the firm. This paper examines the economic characteristics of Canadian industrial water use and considers the experiences of other jurisdictions in employing economic instruments to promote industrial water conservation. The paper then assesses the potential efficacy of economic instruments as a means of promoting integrated water resources management in the Canadian industrial sector. The paper concludes by identifying the opportunities and barriers for enhanced reliance on economic instruments.

Ontario conservation authorities: principles, practice and challenges 50 years later

Abstract In 1996, Ontario conservation authorities are 50 years old. This paper reviews the origins and founding principles of the conservation authority programme. After describing recent events in Ontario water management, the six founding principles—watershed jurisdiction, local initiative, a provincial-municipal partnership, coordination and cooperation, a healthy environment required for a healthy economy, and a comprehensive approach—are used to examine the practices of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Conclusions suggest that the six principles were and are sound, although they have been ‘rediscovered’ under new names. The formation of new forms of partnerships and broadening the funding base have been the UTRCAs primary responses to recent developments in Ontario resource management. Given the strong probability of future changes, conservation authorities and all other public and private resource managers must create new ways of delivering an even greater level of service to the public.

Flood management in Canada at the crossroads.

Abstract Although Canadian flood management efforts have gained worldwide recognition, flood damages continue to increase. The current practice for preventing, responding to and recovering from floods in Canada is described by focusing attention on the 1997 Red River and 1996 Saguenay River floods. A set of cultures is identified that contribute to the trend of increasing flood damages. These include a culture of conflict, a culture of land development, a culture that impeded native people from easily implementing flood management programs, a culture of institutional fragmentation and a culture of dependency. These foster an inevitable cycle of increasing flood damages. The potential of recent proposals made by Emergency Preparedness Canada and the Insurance Bureau of Canada to address these cultures is assessed. While these documents represent significant progress, they continue to adopt an intermittent project rather an ongoing program perspective, fail to identify the need to adopt specific initiatives tailored for aboriginal communities, and ignore the need to enhance the operational capacity of relevant public and private participants. Addressing these requirements will further reduce future losses and vulnerability.

From structures to sustainability: a history of flood management strategies in Canada

Four principles are identified as being associated with sustainability balance, ecosystem approach, adaptive management and teamwork. The evolution of flood management strategies in Canada is provided using secondary historical sources. The sustainability of flood management in Canada is assessed in terms of the nature and extent to which flood management strategies exhibit principles of balance, ecosystem approaches, adaptive management and teamwork. The paper concludes that while Canadas National Disaster Mitigation Strategy (NDMS) has made progress towards achieving sustainability, there are specific considerations that require further attention.

Natural Resource Use and Management in the Australian Sugar Industry: Current Practice and Opportunities for Improved Policy, Planning and Management

The Australian sugar industry is largely confined to the narrow, high rainfall coastal zone in which competition from tourist and recreational uses, urban encroachment, public utilities and hobby farms for natural resources has increased significantly in recent years and is likely to grow in the future. This paper briefly examines the socio-political, economic and environmental context in which natural resources are currently managed in the Australian sugar industry. We argue that planning, in concert with a range of policy and economic instruments, can play an important role in the resolution of such problems. Building on the collective national and international experience of other industries, options for efficient and equitable allocation of resources between the sugar industry and its neighbours at the policy level and on-farm are outlined and discussed.

The Cultures of Flood Management in Canada: Insights from the 1997 Red River Experience

Although Canadian flood management efforts have gained worldwide recognition, flood damages continue to increase. The current practice for preventing, responding to and recovering from floods in Canada is described in this paper by focusing attention on the 1997 Red River flood. A set of cultures that contribute to the trend of increasing flood damages is identified. These cultures include a culture of conflict, a culture of land development, a eurocentric culture that impeded native people from easily implementing flood management programs, a culture of institutional fragmentation and a culture of dependency, fostering an inevitable cycle of increasing flood damages. The recommendations arising from the International Joint Commission’s final report on future flood management initiatives are described and their ability to redress the current cultures are assessed. While the report represents significant progress in this area, it will require a level of commitment and leadership from senior governments that has not been seen for some time.

Floodplain management in London, Ontario, Canada: Assessing implementation of section 28 of the conservation authorities act

An assessment of floodplain regulation by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority in the City of London for the period 1978–1989 was undertaken. Utilizing a mix of data sources available through the conservation authority office, questionnaires administered to flooplain residents, interviews with relevant government officials, and housing statistics, the study concludes that regulations have been administered in an equitable and efficient manner. However, regulations have had some problems in controlling all development activity and in addressing policy objectives. Problems arise from weaknesses in the Conservation Authorities Act, an ensuing lack of judicial and participating municipal support in prosecuting violations, and inadequate monitoring and enforcement of development activity. Without addressing these issues, the basic problems associated with floodplain management in Ontario will remain.

Public relief and insurance for residential flood losses in Canada: Current status and commentary

Flood-affected households in Canada rely on a complex arrangement of public disaster assistance and partial private insurance coverage for flood recovery. Recently, calls have been made for a review of the role of private insurance in residential flood losses; however, there are many challenges associated with the introduction of private flood insurance. Some ways to increase the viability of flood insurance include providing flood coverage for a variety of flood types, limiting coverage for very high-risk households and implementing risk-based coverage. To be effective, flood insurance will further require households, insurers and governments to participate in the reduction of flood risk. Governments and insurers should work toward a national, consistent approach to flood hazard assessment that includes assessment of a variety of flood types that affect households and supports both non-structural flood risk reduction and insurance pricing. Governments and insurers should further work to reduce the number of very high-risk households and improve the quality and accessibility of flood loss data. Furthermore, households will have to become better informed of the specifics of insurance coverage and bear a portion of flood losses through risk-based insurance pricing and conditions.

Floodplain regulation and the perceptions of the real estate sector in Brantford and Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Abstract This study examines the perceptions of home mortgage lenders, real estate agents, appraisers and landowners in Brantford and Cambridge, Ontario to floodplain regulations. Relevant material from the Grand River Conservation Authority office was reviewed. Interviews conducted with representatives from the real estate sector examined their professional experience, response to floodplain regulations, perception of the price effect, and personal experience with floodplain regulations. Questionnaires were distributed to floodplain residents within selected areas of the two communities, and focused on their perception of floodplain adjustments, response to floodplain regulations and the perceived price effect. All respondents suggested that locational and site characteristics were most important in determining the value of a home. Floodplain regulation was not perceived to have a major economic impact. Although formal training on flooding and floodplain regulations is limited, the real estate sector was aware of and supported the disclosure of this type of information to prospective buyers. However, the dynamic nature of floodplain management suggests that the real estate sector must be better informed about the intent and nature of the regulatory process.