Published in March 2002 by the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the “Watershed / Landscape-Based Approach to Community Planning” was developed by an interdisciplinary working group. “At the heart of the approach is an adaptable 10-step methodology that facilitates planning with reference to watershed-based features,” reports Erik Karlsen, a primary author of the document. Read More
“It is important to use descriptions which are linked more closely with the objectives and ideas. Ideally, the right choice of wording will frame the concepts clearly, and provide the terminology with some longevity. Clarity will help with uptake – jargon and anachronism needs to be avoided as they can obscure the objectives and ideas,” states Robert Hicks. Read More
“We are using the slogan The New Business As Usual to convey the message that, for change to really occur, practices that until now have been viewed as the exception must become the norm moving forward. We have to build regulatory models and develop models of practice and expertise,” stated Dale Wall, Deputy Minister Read More
“Bringing together local government practitioners in neutral forums has enabled implementers to collaborate as regional teams. Their action-oriented focus has resulted in ‘how to do it’ examples that help decision-makers visualize what ‘design with nature’ policy goals look like on the ground,” reports Kim Stephens. Read More
“Interflow is often the dominant drainage path in glaciated landscapes of British Columbia. Even undeveloped sites founded on till and bedrock rarely show overland flow because of interflow pathways. The lesson is that the interflow system is an incredibly important and yet fragile component of a watershed. It is critical for maintaining stream health and our fishery resource,” states Al Jonsson of DFO. Read More
“In 2013, the IREI is moving from ‘proof of approach’ on Vancouver Island to full-scale implementation, including Metro Vancouver and beyond. Inter-regional collaboration will help leverage more with the same resources. Everyone will be able to better deliver on regulatory objectives and compliance,” states Derek Richmond. Read More
“In order to improve the health of local waterways we have to better manage the stormwater that falls on city streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops,” says Carter Strickland. Read More
“We at the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department believe in increasing green infrastructure in the city. Green projects help divert runoff from going into the combined sewer system, and that could reduce costs that are passed on to our customers … . We’re excited about its potential,” stated Sue McCormick. Read More
“DOE calls it the ‘flow-duration’ standard. It more accurately should be described as the 0/100/100 standard. That is, DOE will require ’0%’ forest set-aside, will allow ’100%’ hardened surfaces, and will allow ’100%’ runoff of precipitation falling on a site,” says Tom Holz. Read More
“The drought, forest fires and floods that B.C. experienced in 2003 highlighted the need to integrate ‘green’ development practices with water management. A tool was needed to evaluate and ensure implementation of the best water management practices. The web-based Water Balance Model powered by QUALHYMO is that tool,” explains Ted van der Gulik. Read More
“The Water Balance Model, as an approach to managing rainwater, was first introduced in 2003. It was an impressive step towards applying a ‘design with nature’ solution to a growing problem for many municipalities. A ‘new’ WBM was launched at the end of 2008 to considerable acclaim,” wrote Kim Stephens in a 2009 article. Read More
By incorporating green infrastructure options with their stormwater management plans, Washington DC has become a model of sustainable infrastructure. They’re saving money and resources, while fulfilling the EPA consent decree, reports George Hawkins. Read More
“When it rains, the water needs somewhere to go. Ideally, that someplace is a forest or meadow, which filters and absorbs the water into the ground. But when, instead of natural vegetation, we have rooftops and pavement, the natural process is broken and the water runs off, gaining volume and velocity,” write Kaid Benfield. Read More
“The Tank Stream is the site of a more-than-two-century-old water supply line, and an important piece of the city’s history. The brick-lined belowground channel is part of a tributary of Sydney Cove,” writes Janice Kasperson. Read More
“The course was designed to assist local governments and consultants delivering the ISMPs to understand options available. Many local governments were struggling with having these done in a fashion that is meaningful for their community – we hoped that the course would open minds and lead to application of new ideas,” stated Carrie Baron. Read More
“A decade ago, looking at rainfall differently led the Province of BC to initiate a paradigm-shift in the way rainwater is managed. ‘Beyond the Guidebook’ brings together all the pieces to link the site to the watershed to the stream,” states Peter Law. Read More
A scenario comparison tool to assess green infrastructure effectiveness, achieve a lighter 'water footprint' and protect stream health. Learn More
The Water Conservation Calculator illustrates how specific water conservation measures can yield both fiscal and physical water savings for communities. Learn More
This Landscape Irrigation Scheduling Calculator uses real-time daily evapotranspiration (ET) rates determined from climate stations located within British Columbia. Learn More
This Agricultural Irrigation Scheduling Calculator uses real-time daily evapotranspiration (ET) rates determined from climate stations located within British Columbia. Learn More
