Macintosh, Pam, "Community Land Trusts: An Alternative Land Use Planning Tool for the Maritimes"

The rural areas of the Maritimes are experiencing a range of problems including loss of land resources through suburbantype sprawl, economic problems and environmental degradation. To effectively address these types of problems, innovative strategies need to be examined and implemented. The purpose of this thesis is to identify and examine one strategy which may contribute to forming a more imaginative approach in land use planning to address these types of problems.

The Community Land Trust is the strategy under examination. Trusts offer an integrated approach to planning for conservation and development and they have the ability to respond creatively and effectively to local needs.

The thesis began with an examination of six philosophies on planning with an integration of conservation and development. Also, five criteria were identified which a community land trust should possess. These include: Process Discriminating Factors, Equity, Community Resource, and Long-term Stewardship.

A summary of the philosophies and the criteria formed a basis for determining where and how the community land trust could be effectively used. An examination of legal and legislative considerations was also undertaken. A sample scenario was done to show how a community-based land trust can be effectively used by community members.

Conclusions state that this type of strategy will be use to a community to help them develop and implement a long-term vision for their community by adopting a creative approach to integration of conservation and development.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on November 30, 2000.