Community Wellness (more...)
| The impact of the offshore oil and gas industry
on local communities and residents can be substantial. As with any
development, the many potential benefits must be weighed against
the possible undesirable effects. Communities not only see changes
to population, but also to infrastructure, lifestyles and demands
on local services and businesses. |
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| Infrastructure |
- would lead to increasing demands on current infrastructure
(land, sea and air)
|
| Municipal Services |
- population increases in small local communities require a matching
increase in services including policing, schools, food, sanitation,
water, etc.
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Commercial Services
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- also required would be changes in supply, communications, emergency
responses, etc.
|
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- these effects would likely be felt as far away as Victoria and
Vancouver
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| Residential Effects |
- temporary and long-term (or permanent) housing within local
communities |
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- depending on remoteness of location, possibility of work camps
instead of residential housing
|
| Legacy Funds |
- potential for offshore revenue to be used in positive ways: revitalizing
cities, disaster relief and other unforeseen circumstances, priority
government programs, etc.
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| Potential Hazards |
- higher crime and suicide rates, lower community satisfaction, inadequate
municipal services and/or poorer employment and education prospects for
local residents (Seydlitz et al., 1993) |
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- cyclical nature of offshore development (inflation during boom periods
can lead to unrealistic spending and expectations) |
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- marine protection, environmental protection, disruption to traditional
industries (forestry, fishing, mining)
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Further Details
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