Howley, John, "Heritage Conservation in St. John's, Nfld.: A Case Study of Planning Practice"

Planners work in an environment in which politically powerful interests may use their influence to have proposals facilitated regardless of regulations or popular opposition. Planners, as administrators of planning processes may provide means to counter such influences. Research of planning practice indicates that planners, on occasion, manipulate planning processes to achieve outcomes that they favour. A case study of St. John's, Newfoundland illustrates how planners acted to provide support for heritage conservation policies in that city. The city council had provided little support for the city's heritage conservation program in the face of development pressure. However, the planners provided opportunities for public debate of issues and took advantage when opposition could be expected to be less intense to push forward policies that enhanced protection of heritage conservation areas. The thesis concludes that planners can be effective in providing support for particular policies lacking political support through taking a low-key, strategic approach and by generating and providing opportunities for public support or opposition.

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This document was last modified on November 14, 2000.