FLASHBACK TO 2011: Value of Water Balance Model / Express recognized by Metro Vancouver Regional Board

KimStephens_WMC presentation_Sept2011_Express slide

WBM Express will help raise awareness and drive behaviour change from the homeowner side

Kim stephens (120p) - 2012In mid-September 2011, Kim Stephens (Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability) met with Metro Vancouver’s Waste Management Committee and requested a grant to trigger matching federal funding for development of the Water Balance Model Express for Landowners. Five weeks later, the Metro Vancouver Board amended its 2012 Budget to incorporate a line item for the Water Balance Model.

To Learn More:

To download a PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation by Kim Stephens, click on Regional Commitments and Minister’s Conditions for ISMPs

Regulatory Context

“Metro Vancouver has contributed $50,000 to fund further enhancement of the Water Balance Model because widespread use of this decision  tool will help Metro Vancouver and members fulfil our regulatory commitments, in particular those related to integrated rainwater management,” stated Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board, when making the formal announcement in February 2012.

Mayor greg moore (120p) - port coquitlam“Actions required of local government are spelled out in the region’s Integrated Liquid Waste & Resource Management Plan, approved by the Minister of Environment in May 2011. Conditions in the Minister’s approval highlight the importance of land use planning in protecting stream health. The conditions focus attention on how the degree, type and location of land development can affect the long-term health of the watershed.”

“The region and members have committed to protecting stream and watershed health. This will be accomplished by managing rain where it falls. Use of the Water Balance Model can help municipalities to define achievable and affordable performance targets at the watershed, neighbourhood and site scales,” concluded Chair Greg Moore.

GVRD_Board_Special-October_19_2011_recommendation

Metro Vancouver Regional Board amended 2012 Budget to fund the Water Balance Model Express

On October 19, 2011 the Metro Vancouver Regional Board held a Special Meeting regarding the Draft 2012 Budget. An on-table item was the funding request from the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC for co-funding in the amount of $50,000 for the Water Balance Model. Approval required an amendment to the 2012 Draft Budget.

Lois-Jackson_120p“For the last several years Metro Vancouver has included as part of its GVRD budget, contributions to external organizations whose work provides a level of benefit to the community or to Metro Vancouver related responsibilities,” stated Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, former Board Chair. “Given the input from REAC, the Waste Management Committee recommended that co-funding the Water Balance Model provides value and scale of economy to Metro Vancouver municipal members.”

“Therefore, the Board approved a $50,000 contribution to co-fund the development of the Water Balance Model and directed staff to prepare the necessary budget documents and bylaws.”

To Learn More:

Click on Metro Vancouver Regional Board approves funding for Water Balance Model Express to download a copy of the Certified Resolution.

Metro Van presentation_Sep2011