Ian D. Robertson Inc. | Business Management Consulting

One initial request and mandate was to facilitate a group of community residents and spokespersons as the met to talk about alternative recycled energy sources for a large cement plant that was located within the community of Delta, BC. It became clear very quickly that the community representatives on their own had not able to agree on a process to look at the question, let alone look for answers. Grassroots environmental groups were attacking the company, the committee, and proposition in a well-organized PR campaign.

The cement plant, the largest in Pacific Northwest, was facing competition from off-shore plants that were not subject to environmental controls. Consequently the imported cement could be landed cheaper than that produced locally. Since energy represents about ¼ of the total cost in making cement, lowering the cost of fuel would have a major impact on the cost of the product. It was in the context of looking for alternative fuels that the activity commenced. As the company started its search for fuels, local environmental groups who were conscious of a major controversy taking place with cement plants in Texas, provided strong opposition to this effort.

We worked with the group, expanding it from 15 to 25 people including 5 with PhDs. We requested that the environmental groups meet with us and share their concerns and data with us and then participate in our discussions. While they would not actively participate, they attended all meetings as observers. With additional technical expertise on board in the committee we were able to define a process for examining the questions and alternatives. Anxiety within the community and with the municipal politicians continued for several months as we worked our way through extensive technical materials. As time passed the level of anxiety reduced, with several minor flashes brought on by the environmental groups needing to keep the attention of the press. The process concluded some two years later after some 50+ meetings of the entire group and several smaller sub-groups.

Our recommendations were met without one complaint. Our report of 20 pages was widely circulated and referenced a 300-page appendix containing all minutes of all meetings. Those reports, along with 3000 pages of technical material provided to us, videotapes of meetings and presentations made to us were all indexed and filed in the local library where the public has free access.

Ian has also been involved in conflict resolution at the municipal level, both within advisory committees to municipal councils and in a number of private situations.

	To find out how we can help you, call us now at (604) 943-3715, or email us at idr@robertsoninc.ca.