Impact of community planning on quality of life in the North

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering
• Main Author: Grainge, Jack
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1977
• Subjects: General Environmental Science; Civil and Structural Engineering; Greenland; Iceland; Lapland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/l77-052; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/l77-052

Long range planning is required in order to avoid impending environmental disasters in most northern communities. Present short range planning should consider more closely the basic needs of the inhabitants. These needs include piped water and sewer systems, more careful avoidance of sewage pollution of drinking water and the immediate environment, better cross cultural integration, greater emphasis on recreational facilities, awareness of the need for energy savings, less ice fogs, and relatively warm and sunny microclimates.The Scandinavians have been leaders in this field, and offer many examples of advanced planning of northern communities in Lapland, Iceland, and West Greenland. We should study their approach towards the solution of our common problems. Through dialogue with them a clearer understanding and possibly better solutions to existing problems will be found.A basic necessity in making the studies is a better understanding of the nature of the North and of the people. We must learn to work with both nature and the people.Now is the time for long range planning by considering climatic, environmental and cultural factors, and integrating them into a more harmonious system with the aim of a higher quality of life.