Water-Centric Planning

The phrase ‘water for life and livelihoods' has been introduced to British Columbians in order to focus them on what is at stake over both the short and long terms. The phrase conveys the fundamental principles of sustainability of natural systems in their own right and in relation to the health and well-being of people who benefit from the use of water for basic life needs and economic activity.

Convening for Action on Vancouver Island (CAVI) is a pilot program at a regional scale. CAVI will integrate with other groups, move ‘green value' from concept to practice, and encourage the introduction of a ‘design with nature' way of thinking into local government decision processes.

Education can play an important role in facilitating change. Education increases our capacity to make informed decisions and to act effectively in addressing environmental and development issues. The WaterBucket website is a prime example of using outreach to promote the move from awareness to action.

The phrase ‘water for life and livelihoods' has been introduced to British Columbians in order to focus them on what is at stake over both the short and long terms. The phrase conveys the fundamental principles of sustainability of natural systems in their own right and in relation to the health and well-being of people who benefit from the use of water for basic life needs and economic activity.

Within the next 10 to 15 years it is projected that the available water in the Okanagan Basin will be fully allocated. At the same time, agricultural development is also expected to increase, with potential growth in the grape and wine sector leading the way. Also, the region will continue to experience both the benefits and consequences of climate change – that is, a longer growing season and changes in form and pattern of precipitation and runoff, respectively.

Convening for Action on Vancouver Island (CAVI) is a pilot program at a regional scale. CAVI will integrate with other groups, move ‘green value' from concept to practice, and encourage the introduction of a ‘design with nature' way of thinking into local government decision processes.

Durham Region in partnership with Tribute Communities, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is attempting to define a new standard in efficiency in new home construction. The goal of this project is to establish new standards of water efficiency for low-density residential development

The Ministry of Environment held a one-day workshop in Nanaimo in March 2007 to provide technical information and highlight the work being done related to water quality issues on Vancouver Island.

Many of the early generation 6-litre toilet models sold in North America performed poorly and failed to meet consumer expectations for flushing performance.

IUCN – The World Conservation Union runs a water and nature initiative with two goals: (1) Improved management in 10 river basins (increased livelihood security for water and wetland-dependent communities; improved utilisation of natural resources; Increased conservation of natural resources; and reduced conflicts between users); and (2) Tools for participation, governance, economics, and information management. The latter should be of particular interest to users of waterbucket.ca. The initiative's website is http://www.iucn.org/themes/wani/