Development of Northern BC Valley:

A Simulation Case for Periodic Use in Class

In response to the provincial government's encouragement of private power production options a large multinational corporation, Power Inc., has been exploring for potential small hydro sites in remote valleys of Northern B.C. After two years of studies in one of the valleys they believe they have found a highly promising series of sites. However, the valley is part of an area being claimed by the Raven First Nation and a coalition of environmental groups with international partners has long been campaigning with growing support from around the world to have the remarkably beautiful valley with its unique ecology designated as a wilderness reserve. The valley is particularly well known for its grizzly bear populations and the salmon runs on its streams. So far there has been no modern development in the valley and the nearest community, Frontiersville, is 50kms from the entrance to the valley. It is a town of 5000 people which primarily relies on mining and forestry activities in the region for its economic base. Like many resource based communities in B.C. it is feeling increasingly uncertain about its future. The booms and busts associated with the natural resource industry developments, bring fluxes of in- and out-migration and associated economic and social problems.

The provincial government recognizes that it must make a decision on the future of the valley and has decided as a first step to assess the options through a multistakeholder negotiation process. To do this it has hired NFM Inc, a consulting company with an international reputation for its pathbreaking work in facilitating such multistakeholder processes in BC and elsewhere, to facilitate a process that would include key stakeholders in evaluating the two major choices: (i) designate the area as a wilderness or (ii) allow hydro development.

If the area is designated a wilderness, it would mean forgoing hydroelectricity and all other resource developments. Activities in the valley would be restricted to traditional First Nation uses, limited recreation, and ecological research. The hydro company would undoubtedly seek compensation from the government having been encouraged to look for sites.

If Power Inc.'s further studies confirm the optimistic outlook and the government eventually approves hydro development, the government will face a claim for compensation from the Raven First Nation with whom they are presently involved in Treaty negotiations. In the immediate term they could very well encounter militant opposition and court injunctions.

In the simulations you will be asked to represent in various ways one of the four key stakeholder groups, as indicated below. You should feel free to elaborate your role and interests in any way you would like.

The Provincial Government

• Lauren you work in the BC Ministry of Environment
• Ruth you work in the BC Ministry of Community Development
• Jason you work in the BC Ministry of Economic Development
• Andrew you work in the BC Ministry of Social Services

Power Inc.

• Thomas you work in Power Inc's project development division
• Daniel you work in Power Inc's environmental management division
• Maureen you work in Power Inc's community affairs division
• Devon you are the head of the union at Power Inc

The Raven First Nation

• Erica you are the Chief of the Raven First Nation
• Debra you are one of the elders and you believe that the Nation needs to be giving more attention to development opportunities
• Polly you have just returned from university and strongly believe the Nation should set an example to the rest of the world in its green development strategies

The Environmental Coalition

• Tessie you are a member of the environmental coalition and live and work for an international conservation organization in Amsterdam and campaigning for preservation
• Mariona you are a member of the environmental coalition who lives and works in Frontiersville
• Jennifer R. you live in Vancouver and are a member of a provincial coalition of environmental group that tries to work to work with all parties
• Rosa you live in Smithers in the interior of BC and are a member of a radical environmental group that employs civil disobedience and related techniques

The Community

• Katherine is the Mayor and has run on a community economic development platform
• Maysa is the editor of the local newspaper and is raising questions about the pros and cons of each of the major options
• Jennifer P. has recently moved to the community from Vancouver and wants her young family to grow up and have the option of living in the community for the rest of their lives
• Fernanda is planning to run for Mayor in the next election on a sustainable development platform