The road from resource dependency to community sustainability: The case of Kimberley, British Columbia: 1966-2001

This thesis examines the process of restructuring that is impacting resource dependent communities. Restructuring which arises from and creates change shifts traditional forms of economic and political stability. The community context in which change occurs differs and thus the experiences and success of communities varies. Communities are often characterized as static entities, but in reality they involve the continual re-negotiation of relations that can have economic, social, and ecological impacts. This interdisciplinary analysis studies the geographic community of Kimberley. It examines the role of the municipal government and the company in the transition process. The thesis suggests that communities present new opportunities for social learning between municipal, corporate, state, and community-based groups to undertake shared problem solving and adaptively manage resources. The case demonstrates that through leadership, collaboration, and participation a community can adapt to sustain itself in response to global processes.