ӣ��Ӱ��

Topic

Towards Common Ground: Barriers and Enablers to Low-Carbon Transitions in Oil- and Gas-Producing Municipalities of British Columbia and Alberta

School of Public Administration

Date & location

• Friday, October 24, 2025

• 9:30 A.M.

• Clearihue Building

• Room B017 and

• Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Katya Rhodes, School of Public Administration, ӣ��Ӱ�� (Supervisor)

• Dr. Tamara Krawchenko, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Julie MacArthur, Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Rhodes University 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Barbara Ehlting, Department of Biology, UVic

   

Abstract

Oil- and gas-producing municipalities host Canada’s highest emitting sector and face significant economic risks in the low-carbon transition. Understanding how these communities envision their economic futures, and the barriers and enablers they encounter in pursuing low-carbon opportunities, can inform decision-makers seeking both emissions reductions and more resilient local economies. This study engages municipal staff with expertise in economic development from oil and gas communities in British Columbia and Alberta to capture their perspectives on transition pathways. Findings demonstrate that these municipalities are actively exploring economic diversification that includes low-carbon opportunities, but face substantial barriers, including the absence of a coherent transition vision, perceptions of being broad‑brushed in policy decisions, limited capacity and funding, gaps in expertise, and delays in the regulatory process for new energy projects. Addressing these challenges through place-based industrial development strategies and targeted policy supports would better position federal and provincial governments to support local transitions in communities most affected by energy system change.