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Topic

A Theory-Based Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective

School of Public Administration

Date & location

• Monday, December 9, 2024
• 1:00 P.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Astrid Brousselle, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Astrid Pérez Piñán, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Cameron Owens, Department of Geography, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Darlene Clover, Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, UVic

Abstract

The District of Sooke is drafting an Official Community Plan (OCP) that once adopted will set the vision for Sooke until 2050. Given the tangible nature of municipal jurisdiction, municipalities are critically positioned to respond to the current international environmental crises. This mixed-methods study evaluated the draft OCP using a Planetary Health Framework (PHF), multi-sector focus groups and questionnaires. The study assessed if and under what conditions the draft OCP contributes to planetary health. Focus group participants saw the draft OCP as promoting many of the PHF’s dimensions positively. However, participants noted concerns around inadequate community engagement, the OCP’s design/clarity, the risks to mental and physical health, government coordination and decision-making bias. Recommendations for how Sooke could better contribute to planetary health were raised by participants and presented in this thesis. This evaluation was the first application of planetary health approaches for a comprehensive evaluation of an existing policy.