From the bottom-up: culture in community sustainability planning

Abstract

Emerging conceptualizations of a ̳four pillar‘ model of sustainability, which include cultural vitality, environmental responsibility, economic health, and social equity as the basis of community resiliency (Hawkes 2001), have influenced a variety of local planning initiatives in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and Europe. Focusing on the cultural dimension of this sustainability framework, this paper explores the conceptual and operational challenges and gaps that are highlighted as the model is applied in community sustainability planning contexts. Methodologically, the paper is primarily based on a review and analysis of strategic approaches to conceptually and operationally integrate culture within community sustainability planning in Canada, located within two sources: (1) the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) guides developed by provinces and municipal associations, and (2) a selection of ICSPs developed by individual communities. In closing, the paper reflects on the process of migration or adaptation of community planning paradigms to the community sustainability framework as observed in these ICSP materials and other initiatives.