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| SITUATIONAL
ANALYSIS TO EXPLORE STATE OF BC's CO-OPS |
The
BC Institute for Co-operative Studies is attempting to answer a
number of questions about the state of co-operatives and the role
they have in communities throughout British Columbia. This far-reaching
and innovative study of the province's co-operative sector is asking
three questions. Where and why have co-ops emerged as a strong force
in the province, and why, and where have they lagged and why? What
are the relationships between the co-operatives and the communities
in which they are located? What are key challenges co-operatives
encounter both in their development and in their ability to sustain
themselves?
To achieve the goals of this Situational Analysis the research team
comprising Lloy Wylie, Victoria Bowman, Nicole Chaland, Laura Sjolie,
Colleen Shepherd, Ryan George, Gabe Haythornthwaite, and Research
Co-ordinator Kathleen Gabelmann, is developing a research design
that employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. Already,
a substantial amount of statistical data has been collected to conduct
an analysis of all co-ops operating within the province during the
last decade.
The research team is also undertaking case studies of co-ops in
a range of communities and regions of BC. Profiles of the communities
are also being assembled.
The goals of the research are to provide a meaningful study of co-operative
activity throughout the province as well as to establish research
guidelines and practices for ongoing research of co-operatives in
a community context.
Due to its innovative nature, the project is developing in stages.
Currently, the Team is concentrating their efforts on establishing
foundations, and then building upon these as they broaden and deepen
the study. An important aspect of the research process is to ensure
the research needs of the community and co-op partners, as well
as those of BCICS, are met.
The two current community studies are the Cowichan Valley region
of Vancouver Island and the Commercial Drive area in the East End
of Vancouver. These two 'pilot' studies are providing the opportunity
to develop frameworks for both rural and urban settings.
Components of the Situational Analysis will include a brief socio-economic
history of the communities, current economic development issues,
case studies of co-ops and credit unions, a discussion of issues
confronting co-ops, and possibly some suggestions for policy reform.
Additionally, it is suspected that there will be recommendations
for future research on co-operatives.
The research Team is planning to continue its studies in the following
areas: Dawson Creek; Nelson; Cranbrook; Prince George; Vanderhoof;
Quesnel; Prince Rupert; Haida Gwaii; and the South Okanagan.
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Spring 2001: V1 - I1
Summer 2001: V1 - I2
Fall 2001: V1 - I3
Fall 2002: V2 - I1
Spring 2003: V3 - I1
Fall 2004: V4 - I1
Spring 2005: V5 - I1
Fall 2005: V5 - I2
Spring 2006: V6 - I1
Fall 2006: V6 - I2
Fall 2007: V7 - I1
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