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“Like most other areas on Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is at a major cross-roads as to how we will develop and still maintain the natural beauty of our community. This is a real challenge.We are experiencing phenomenal growth. So we are really depending on the practitioners to keep us grounded and realistic so that growth will be sustainable,” stated Starr Winchester, Chair of the Comox-Strathcona Regional District.

“UniverCity is implementing innovative new zoning policies, mandatory green building requirements, and new density bonusing program that has been developed in partnership with the City of Burnaby. The approach that UniverCity is taking will achieve a LEED Silver equivalent,” stated Dale Mikkelsen

“When we refer to designing with nature, we are borrowing from Ian McHarg and the title of his 1969 book. We are consistent with what McHarg intended in terms of ecological planning and letting the landscape inform development. In practical terms, what designing with nature means…is essentially a restatement of Smart Growth principles,” stated Ray Fung.

“From a City of Nanaimo perspective, the Showcasing Innovation Series is timely. Our participation has served as a catalyst for the City to evaluate our progress to date and reflect on lessons learned from our experience. The City is enthusiastic about sharing what we have learned with our peers in other Vancouver Island municipalities,” stated Rob Lawrance.

Delsom Estates represented the largest tract of undeveloped land in North Delta. “From the inception of the redevelopment project, sustainability was a first principle.“ recalls Marcy Sangret, “Delta staff initiated a “checklist” of environmental, social and economic sustainability elements to be considered for a mixed use community.”

“The Regional District, District of North Cowichan and City of Duncan will showcase the role of partnerships – first, in developing a shared vision of what the ‘valley future’ can look like; and next, in implementing actions that will bring the vision to fruition. The unifying theme is: to make things happen, local governments need to partner and pool resources,” states Kate Miller.

Resource protection – for groundwater supply and fisheries habitat – is the driver for implementing green infrastructure in Langley and the Township is developing a Sustainability Charter. “This is intended to be a high-level policy document that helps guide the Township toward sustainability on the ground. A big part of developing the document will be engaging the community,” states Ramin Seifi.

“We will showcase on-the-ground benefits that result when local governments collaborate to integrate their efforts, and are guided by an holistic way-of-thinking and acting. Case studies will demonstrate how to ‘connect the dots’ to achieve integrated and sustainable outcomes,” reports Kevin Lagan.

“At UniverCity residents have parks, trails, playgrounds and discounted transit, and have access to the university’s recreational facilities and other amenities. In effect, our role is much like that of a City Hall. We are facilitating the partnership between the university and the community. We are doing event planning and promoting community involvement,” reports Nancy McCuaig.

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“A key to creating a stewardship ethic is getting school children involved early in making a difference, and then sustaining that ethic so that the pilot projects of today become the standard practices of tomorrow,” said Deborah Jones.