Evaluating Collaborative Planning: A Case Study of the Morice Land and Resource Management Plan

Collaborative planning is widely used in British Columbia, Canada as a decision-making tool for land use management. This study uses a research design synthesized from the relevant literature to evaluate the Morice Land and Resources Management Planning process, which began in 2002. After 18 months of negotiation between local stakeholders, the Morice table produced a consensus agreement for land use in the region. Unlike other processes in BC, a two-tiered negotiation model was used to engage First Nations on a government-to-government basis. This study demonstrates a need to revisit the two-tier process design in a way that continues to respect First Nations’ constitutional rights while also satisfying non-aboriginal stakeholders. Despite room for improvement, the Morice process was an overall success and generated important environmental and socio-economic benefits for stakeholders. This case study joins a growing body of research supporting collaborative planning as an effective land use management practice.