CONVENING FOR ACTION ON VANCOUVER ISLAND: CAVI story captured in "Beyond the Guidebook 2010: Implementing a New Culture for Urban Watershed Protection and Restoration in British Columbia"

Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia

Released in February 2004, the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia is about implementation – in particular, showcasing what local government implementers are doing on the ground to effect changes in land development, infrastructure servicing and water use practices.

Kim stephens - 2010 (120p)“In 2005, the Action Plan partners launched a ‘made in BC’ process known as Convening for Action. When we gather, it is for a purpose. There must be an action item or an outcome,”  states Kim Stephens, Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability.

“The partners envisioned a series of pilot programs and case studies, with outcomes synthesized as chapters in Water-Centric Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia.”

Beyond the Guidebook 2010

“Five years later, the vision for a ‘water-centric guidebook’ came to fruition as Beyond the Guidebook 2010: Implementing a New Culture for Urban Watershed Protection and Restoration in British ColumbiaThis is the telling of the stories of how change is being implemented on the ground by local governments and community partners.”

“The CAVI story in particular demonstrates how the practitioner culture is changing on Vancouver Island as an outcome of collaboration, partnerships and alignment. The successes that are celebrated also provide other local governments in BC with ‘how to’ guidance so that they too can develop outcome-oriented urban watershed plans.”

“Starting in 2007, CAVI has been effective in getting the message out about the need for a shared vision for Vancouver Island communities; and a consistent Island-wide approach to green infrastructure policies and practices. The educational approach relies on a long-term commitment by all the players. This is a CAVI hallmark. Everyone involved is in for the long haul,” concludes Kim Stephens.