This chapter illustrates how the Planetary Health Framework was applied to evaluate an Official Community Plan (OCP) for Sooke, a small municipality in British Columbia, Canada. The project formed the basis of Kai Mountfort Master Thesis. We present a snapshot of this evaluation, illustrating how the Planetary Health Framework dimensions can be used to assess a public policy. The objective is to highlight the unique perspective that a planetary health lens can offer. We do not aim at presenting the full results of this evaluation project which are available online (Mountfort, 2025).
Introduction
As of 2021, 73.7% of Canada’s population resides in urban environments (Statistics Canada, 2022). Municipalities are important sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and they often are the first to experience the disastrous impacts related to climate change (Affairs, 2019; Dale et al., 2020). In Canada, 653 jurisdictions from all levels representing 100% of the Canadian population have declared a climate emergency (Climate Emergency Declaration, 2024). Municipalities are critically positioned to respond to climate change and other environmental challenges due to rising populations in urban areas, as well as the tangible nature of municipal jurisdictions (Statistics Canada, 2022, see section 1.2). Municipalities, as key actors in local governance, are well positioned to play a significant role in addressing these challenges through the implementation of effective policies and initiatives aligned with the Planetary Health Framework (Statistics Canada, 2022, see section 1.4).
Under British Columbia’s Local Government Act (2024), municipalities can choose to enact an optional bylaw entitled an Official Community Plan (OCP) (District of Sooke, 2022), which is a long-range (20-30 years) visionary document that guides municipal decision-making. Once an OCP is adopted, municipalities must ensure their bylaws and actions are aligned with the plan. The OCP establishes policies that guide the locations of “homes, businesses and industry, agriculture, and parks and other public spaces” while directly affecting “transportation choices, housing affordability and options, community character, protection of ecological and agricultural areas, resource management, economic vitality, and financial costs associated with paying for District services such as pipes and streets” (District of Sooke, 2022, p. 18). Once enacted, all Sooke municipal policy formulation and implementation must align with the OCP.
The OCP applies to the whole Sooke municipal area and “supports areas of mutual understanding between the District of Sooke and the T’Sou-ke Nation” (District of Sooke, 2022, p. 19). The partnership with the T’Sou-ke Nation was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2007 and represents a nation-to-nation relationship in areas of the “provision of services, land use planning and development, heritage sites and cultural protection, shared and cross-boundary issues, shared services, and economic opportunities” (District of Sooke, 2022, p. 23). T’Sou-ke Nation, as represented by the Te’mexw Treaty Association, is in modern treaty negotiations with the federal and provincial governments since 1994 regarding matters of governance, harvesting, lands, resources and fiscal issues (District of Sooke, 2022).
The objective of this project is to assess whether and under what conditions the OCP will contribute to planetary health. This evaluation used a theory-based approach relying on a mixed-methods approach, that combined document analysis, focus groups, and questionnaires. This methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the OCP’s strengths, potential risks, and areas for improvement.
Characterizing the OCP Within the Context of the Planetary Health Framework
It was not easy to represent the OCP within a logic model. It is a document which identifies 329 policies and actions linked to multiple layers of goals, with some duplications due to their associations with more than one goal. This first step of the project consisted of drafting a representation that would help participants develop their own position on the OCP.
Next, the OCP policies and actions were regrouped under major areas of community policies: agriculture and food systems, arts and culture, community economic development, equitable community, green building, housing, infrastructure, natural environment, parks and trails, recreation and community services, transportation. All actions were then assessed as tangible or non-tangible, and actions specifically involving the T'sou-ke Nation were identified. Tangible policies and actions are palpable and concrete, and non-tangible policies and actions are abstract, vague and not easily measurable (e.g., language such as to engage, discuss and meet with…). While tangible policies and actions are important for public accountability, non-tangible policies and actions are also critical in delivering the OCP’s commitments. Non-tangible policies and actions often involved conversations with key partners in furthering an important initiative for the community. A summary table of the OCP was built and handed to participants. Figures synthesizing the information were created (see Figures 13.1 and 13.2).
Figure 13.1 The Official Community Plan's Unique Policies and Actions, Categorized by Tangible, Non-Tangible and T'sou-ke Nation
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Figure 13.2 Numbers of Unique Policies and Actions from the Official Community Plan Sorted Most to Least by Community Policy
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Data Collection
Focus groups were conducted to assess the program theory of the OCP against the Planetary Health Framework’s dimensions. 17 participants were drawn from a range of sectors that could speak to the various dimensions of the Planetary Health Framework, ensuring representation that advocated for, and empowered, the community’s diverse voices and lived experiences.
Participants were recruited through Facebook, word-of-mouth and posters on local bulletin boards. Participants had to be Sooke residents and were selected based on their identities and professional/voluntary associations, as rich knowledge is generated when participants are among “people like themselves” (Krueger, 2014, p. 3). The identities of the focus groups were designed in a way to speak to the different dimensions of the Planetary Health Framework and included:
- Social Group,
- Nature and Wellness Group,
- Business Group,
- Governance Group,
- District of Sooke Group.
Although the study sought to include the T’sou-ke Nation as one of the focus groups, they were not able to participate due to capacity and timing concerns.
Materials were developed to facilitate the focus groups, including a presentation of the synthesis of the OCP, a summary handout of the OCP policies and actions, and an anonymous questionnaire for participants to systematically assess the OCP following the group discussion.
Participants were asked to respond to four main discussion questions during focus groups:
- How likely is it that the OCP will achieve its objectives?
- What do you see as the key strengths of the OCP with regards to planetary health?
- What do you perceive as the pitfalls or challenges of the OCP with regards to planetary health?
- Do you think the OCP has the potential to make Sooke a greater contributor to planetary health?
Participants were given time at the end of the focus group to fill out anonymous questionnaires, which provided an avenue to voice all opinions they might not have shared during the focus group sessions.
Findings
The data from the focus groups and the questionnaires (17 participants) was analyzed to identify the OCP’s strengths, potential risks, and areas for improvement according to the planetary health dimensions.
Shared Opinions
Many saw that the OCP, as drafted, will support most of the planetary health dimensions well. Most opinions from the five focus groups centred on the governance and power relations dimensions of the Planetary Health Framework. Key themes that emerged from the focus groups included the need for transparent decision-making, better community engagement, and addressing the challenges of Sooke’s commuter town status.
OCP’s potential contribution to planetary health
The questionnaire offered an overview of the OCP’s assessment using planetary health lenses (see Figure 13.3).
Figure 13.3 Snapshot of All Questionnaire Responses Across Focus Groups regarding Participant Perceptions on the Official Community Plan’s Alignment with Planetary Health
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the assessment varied across groups. Figures 13.4 and 13.5 show how results differed according to the type of respondents. Here we present the results from the Social Group and the Business Group, as an example of groups’ contrasting views. Group positions were elicited in the main report but are not presented in this chapter.
Figure 13.4 Snapshot of Questionnaire Responses from the Social Group
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Figure 13.5 Snapshot of Questionnaire Responses from the Business Group
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Each dimension of the Planetary Health Framework was then documented using the focus group verbatims to explore how the OCP’s policies and actions might contribute to or detract from planetary health. Table 13.1 presents a summary of the findings.
Table 13-1OCP’s Potential Contributions to Planetary Health
Planetary Health dimensions | Strengths | Risks |
Pollution | The OCP included measures to reduce pollution, such as promoting green infrastructure and sustainable transportation options. | Urban sprawl and increased traffic congestion were identified as potential sources of pollution. Participants emphasized the need for better infrastructure to support non-car travel. |
Waters and Lands | The OCP’s focus on protecting natural environments, such as watersheds and green spaces, was well-received. The Trails and Parks Master Plan (an accompanying policy document to the OCP) was highlighted as a positive initiative. | Concerns were raised about the lack of enforcement and monitoring of environmental protections. Participants called for stronger regulations and better coordination with regional authorities. |
Biodiversity | The OCP’s policies on biodiversity conservation, including habitat protection and green space expansion, were praised. | The need for clearer metrics and stronger protections for biodiversity was emphasized. Participants highlighted the importance of mitigating the impacts of development on local ecosystems. |
Prosperity | The OCP aimed to promote economic prosperity by supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities. The focus on sustainable economic development was appreciated. | Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and community well-being was identified as a challenge. Participants stressed the need for diverse economic opportunities and better support for local businesses. |
Equity | The OCP’s commitment to promoting equity and inclusion was recognized. Initiatives to support marginalized communities and improve accessibility were seen as positive steps. | The lack of clarity and inclusivity in the OCP’s operational elements was a concern. Participants called for more engagement with diverse community groups to ensure their needs are addressed. |
Health | The OCP’s focus on promoting health through green spaces, recreational facilities, and walkable infrastructure was well-received. | Limited access to healthcare services and the need for better emergency preparedness were highlighted. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing mental health and providing resources for youth. |
Governance | The OCP was seen as a significant improvement over previous plans, with a strong focus on community values and aspirations. | Concerns about decision bias, lack of transparency, and insufficient resources for implementation were raised. Participants called for better coordination and accountability in governance. |
Power relations | Efforts to engage the community and promote participatory decision-making were appreciated. The Memorandum of Understanding with the T’sou-ke Nation was seen as a positive step towards reconciliation. | The influence of lobby groups and the need for more inclusive decision-making processes were significant concerns. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that all community voices are heard and valued. |
Source: Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Recommendations
Based on the evaluation, several recommendations were made to improve the OCP’s alignment with planetary health. For the purposes of this subsection, the three nature dimensions of the Planetary Health Framework were amalgamated, which include pollution, waters and lands, as well as biodiversity. Selected recommendations are presented below.
- Nature
- Implement green infrastructure and adopt net-zero standards.
- Protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development practices.
- Densify residential units to conserve natural areas.
- Prosperity
- Diversify local businesses and improve transportation options.
- Support local economy and create more commercial spaces.
- Promote circular economies and endorse local businesses.
- Equity
- Promote diversity and inclusion within governance.
- Engage marginalized communities and support reconciliation efforts.
- Ensure public buildings and businesses are accessible to all.
- Health
- Increase access to healthcare services and improve emergency preparedness.
- Provide resources for mental health and support youth.
- Governance
- Implement transparent and accountable decision-making.
- Establish an accountability framework with measurable indicators.
- Allocate sufficient resources for implementing the OCP.
- Power Relations
- Empower community involvement and ensure inclusive decision-making.
- Address the influence of lobby groups and ensure decisions represent all stakeholders.
An extended list of suggestions to improve the OCP, as identified during focus group discussions, was presented for the District of Sooke to inform future directions of the draft OCP (Mountfort, 2025). The results of the study were made available to research participants and the public.
Conclusion
The use of the Planetary Health Framework to evaluate Sooke’s OCP provided unique insights into the plan’s strengths and areas for improvement for greater impacts on natural and human systems. By adopting a holistic approach that considered the interconnectedness of human and environmental health, it was possible to not only assess the contributions of the OCP but also to provide recommendations on how to strengthen the project. A traditional evaluation not focused on planetary health could have identified some of the same issues, for example governance issues, the influence of lobbying and imbalanced power relations. However, the use of the Planetary Health Framework allowed for a systematic consideration of all the major determinants of planetary health. With respect to the holistic approach, no single planetary health dimension was given more importance than the others. Combining the use of questionnaires and focus groups made it possible to compare the groups’ positions and explain the differences between them.
Endnotes
Affairs, M. o. M. (2019). Municipal Powers & Services—Province of British Columbia. Municipal Powers and Services. Government of British Columbia. Retrieved June 18, 2025 from https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/governance-powers/powers-services/municipal-powers-services
Affairs, M. o. M. (2024). Official community plans for local governments. Government of British Columbia. Government of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/planning-land-use/local-government-planning/official-community-plans
Climate Emergency Declaration. (2024). Climate emergency declarations in 2,309 jurisdictions and local governments cover 1 billion citizens. . Retrieved January 20, 2023 from https://climateemergencydeclaration.org/climate-emergency-declarations-cover-15-million-citizens/
Dale, A., Robinson, J., King, L., Burch, S., Newell, R., Shaw, A., & Jost, F. (2020). Meeting the climate change challenge: Local government climate action in British Columbia, Canada. Climate Policy, 20(7), 866–880. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2019.1651244
District of Sooke. (2022). District of Sooke Official Community Plan. https://sooke.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-08-30-District-of-Sooke-OCP-August-Draft-Update-Web-Quality-3.pdf
Krueger, R. A. (2014). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research. Sage publications.
Mountfort, K. R. (2025). An Evaluation of the District of Sooke’s Official Community Plan from a Planetary Health Perspective. University of Victoria. https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20884
Statistics Canada. (2022). Canada’s large urban centres continue to grow and spread. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220209/dq220209b-eng.pdf