This paper describes the use and methodology of social impact assessments in Canada, as applied to road projects. Social impact assessment (SIA) is a process of analysing, predicting and evaluating the future social and economic effects of proposed policy and project decisions on the well-being of people. Its goal is to protect and enhance the quality of life. It involves identifying potential changes in traditions, lifestyles, health, families, institutions and community; and identifying ways of avoiding or mitigating those changes. Social impacts of a road project include displacement of residents, businesses and community services, disruption during building and the positive impacts from the existence of the new road. A typical SIA involves understanding the project, the public issues and positions, the community, the environmental and socioeconomic impacts; identifying mitigation and enhancement measures and net socioeconomic impacts for each phase of the project; and developing an impact management program. The SIA can often assist the project management by helping to transform public issues into design standards and revised construction practices.
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