Reframing the Conversation: Understanding Socio-Economic Impact Assessments within the Cycles of Boom and Bust

Socio-economic impact assessments (SEIA) are an essential step in identifying and evaluating the potential direct or indirect impacts of proposed economic developments, programs, and projects on communities. A SEIA provides a framework to address the changing demographics and the impacts on services and infrastructure, economic structures including employment and business opportunities, quality of life, the overall health and well-being of the population, and the cultural values of the community. Communities that host rapid industrial development often follow a predictable trajectory of rapid development, operational stability, and industry decline. This cycle known as the “boom and bust” cycle has significant implications on the sustainability of communities. With British Columbia on the cusp of significant industrial development, the Health Officers Council (HOC) of British Columbia in partnership with Northern Health, hosted a collaborative workshop to strategize about addressing the socio-economic impacts of proposed developments on communities. Through collaborative and open dialogue, collectively the group identified the key strategies in supporting to communities to maximize the benefits of development while mitigating the potentially negative socio-economic impacts.