Cumulative effects are the interactions of many incremental and sometimes independent activities, each of which may have an insignificant effect when viewed alone, but become cumulatively significant in their aggregate. Effects are measurable changes, either positive or negative, in values of concern to the communities. Cumulative effects analysis (CEA) quantifies the potential effects of a project when combined with effects of other past, existing, and planned projects and activities.

Cortex has hands-on experience with cumulative effects analysis in BC: we are the only company to have completed official CEAs in this province, awarded by MOE and WWF. This experience has helped us develop and operationalize CREATe—a cumulative regional effects analysis tool. CREATe is collaborative, spatial, value-driven, and scenario-based—designed explicitly to help communities understand the cumulative effects of development and climate change on their values.

CEA Projects in Progress or Completed

Skeena River Watershed Conservation Project

We are currently (2009 - 2011) applying our cumulative effects approach in three watersheds located within the Skeena River Basin, in collaboration with WWF-Canada and Coast Tsimshian Resources Ltd.

Analysis of Cumulative Effects of Disturbance on Boreal Caribou Local Populations

Cortex staff member Dr. Sutherland is working with Environment Canada staff and research scientists to design a national approach to spatially modelling habitat and disturbance dynamics in the boreal forest for assessing the cumulative effects of landbase industrial activity on boreal caribou range condition through time.

Cumulative Effects Analysis in the Klappan

We worked with the Tahltan First Nation and the BC Integrated Land Management Bureau to complete a cumulative effects analyses in the Klappan area of northwest BC.

Cumulative Effects Analysis in the Peace-Moberly Tract

We worked with the Saulteaux and West Moberly First Nations to complete a cumulative effects analysis in the Peace Moberly Tract.

Cumulative Impacts Assessment Half-day Workshop

We presented a half-day workshop in 2005 on cumulative impacts assessment (CIA) and cumulative impacts management (CIM) to the Treaty 8 Negotiation Team.