Convening for Action in British Columbia

“Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. The workshop targeted key agencies involved in wetland conservation. Our mission is to challenge local government by posing this question: Is your municipality doing enough to prevent downstream impacts from rainwater runoff while maintaining healthy aquatic habitat. The Partnership circulated an e-blast to its local government audience and there was an immediate response in terms of registrations. In a matter of a few days the workshop was fully subscribed,” stated Christine Cooper.

“We wanted Blue City to be an accessible report, grounded in rigorous research and analysis but presented in the style of a magazine. The report focuses on real measures and solutions of urban water issues that exist today. This is a very tangible report on a common vision and shared innovations,” states Kirk Stinchcombe.

“We have arrived at a good place, but the journey has not been easy. In fact, we had to work our way through some pretty contentious periods. We persevered, we adapted and we progressed. We want other local governments to know about the good, the bad and the ugly of the Coquitlam story so that they may learn from our experience and know that it is okay to stumble,” states Peter Steblin.

“In 2003, the City was clearly visionary when it first embraced and then formalized a watershed-based approach as a foundation piece in the Official Community Plan. The City has never stopped progressing. (we are) implementing change one step at a time and acknowledging that adjustments can be made along the way,” explains Raul Allueva.

“The issue has always been about HOW to implement practical measures that work. As the result of a very difficult process of learning while under fire, we have learned to find solutions that achieve multiple objectives. We communicate better. We cooperate better. We coordinate better. It is a good story!,” states Jim McIntyre.

“I have found this an excellent primer and, as I have reviewed it, I have learned more good things about engineers’ perspectives while focussing my review comments and suggestions from a planner’s perspective (and those of a former drafter of planning and development legislation),” comments Erik Karlsen.

“A decade ago, the new language and direction in the Official Community Plan provided City staff with the mandate to turn ideas into action,” says Dana Soong. “Linking watershed and neighbourhood planning processes gave all departments a vested interest in the outcome.”

“The requirements for restrictive covenants, securities and professional oversight for design and installation proved to be particularly difficult for single family home builders and home owners. The requirement for an additional regulatory process and inspection at the building permit level also proved to be challenging for the City to implement,” reports Jason Cordoni.

“Council endorsed a new ‘systems approach’ philosophy which aims to offset impacts in one area of a watershed with gains in another for a ‘net environmental benefit’. The objective was to meet or exceed the standard of no net loss (of fish habitat) used by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans,” explains Bill Susak.

“The proposed land use pattern evolved, through an iterative process, to maximize environmental protection and rainwater management outcomes, while still meeting the financial objectives of the development,” states Perry Staniscia.