LE3 .A278 2017

2017

Colton, John

Acadia University

Master of Recreation Management

Masters

Community Development

This thesis assessed a small-scale Independent Power Project (IPP) on Ashlu Creek, British Columbia. An interpretive approach was used to examine the relationship between independent hydropower production and water-based recreation, as RoR (Run-of-River) projects often require similar gradient and flow regimes as those that are sought after by advanced whitewater kayakers, often referred to as ‘creekers’ or ‘creekboaters.’ Key issues included outdoor recreation and its benefits, conflict, the role of community engagement in addressing conflict, and the evolution of the regulatory environment that relates to IPP development in British Columbia. The results of the study indicated : 1) that creekboaters’ needs are very specific to the sport, 2) mitigation efforts reasonably maintained kayaking on the Ashlu, 3) mitigation efforts did not take into account all sections of the bypass reach adequately, 4) more communication can help alleviate some negative impacts, 5) more can be done to reduce impacts on other rivers.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2193