Cowichan River Stoltz Bluff Restoration Project Construction Part II (Summer 2006)
Stoltz Bendway Weirs – Cowichan River
Climate Change and Risk Management: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Robert Hicks
Return periods are common in regulations and in 'standard engineering practice'. However, using return periods without considering their response to climate variability and climate change could result in poor long-term decision making and prevent proactive adaptation if not put into the context of climate change.
Buried Treasure: Groundwater Permitting and Pricing in Canada
Published in 2006, “Buried Treasure: Groundwater Permitting and Pricing in Canada” was written to help fill the need for greater public awareness of the value of groundwater and an understanding of how it is regulated.
Climate Change Implications for Rainwater Conveyance Infrastructure
Robert Miller – UBC Civil Engineering professor
Short sharp bursts of rain are increasing in both frequency and intensity acccording to researchers at the University of British Columbia. The controversial research, originally done for a 2001 master's thesis, was published in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association.
Program on Water Governance Established at the University of British Columbia
Led by Karen Bakker, the program aims to connect water researchers with those active on water policy. The program conducts basic research on water management, engages the wider community in outreach and education on water issues, and facilitates dialogue on water governance between universities, communities, government, NGOs and the private sector.
New Book Provides Prescription for Cure of Canada’s Water Problems
A new book published by UBC Press, edited by Dr. Karen Bakker, provides a diagnosis of Canada’s water problems and a prescription for their cure. The book brings together 28 of Canada’s top water experts to debate Canada’s most critical water issues, and to map out solutions. The diverse range of contributors – geographers, environmental lawyers, former government officials, aquatic scientists, economists, and political scientists – reflects the broad range of issues involved in water management debates.
Province Promotes ‘Sustainable Drainage’ on Vancouver Island
Three provincial Ministries and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans have formed a Vancouver Island Coordinating Team to facilitate a consistent, science-based approach to rainwater management on Vancouver Island.
Changing the Way We Develop Land and Use Water
The challenge for high growth communities is to make informed choices that will produce cumulative benefits over time, and thereby ensure long-term community vitality and liveability. Building on the momentum generated by a presentation to the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force, the Green Infrastructure Partnership brought its ‘design with nature' message to a receptive audience at a Sustainability Community Breakfast hosted by the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Alberta Studies Water Value
Alberta is in the midst of a landmark water study that will help the government decide if it's time to start charging for the resource. The study is looking at the value of water to the economy. The figures will guide officials examining what “economic instruments” would encourage businesses, municipalities and residents to use less water.
Peace River region introduced to ‘Water-Centric Planning’
The City of Dawson Creek hosted a workshop titled “Sustainable Planning and Development for Small Communities”, a program developed by Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation to help small communities. Held in December 2006, the workshop was attended by municipalities from throughout the Peace River region. The workshop provided a timely opportunity to introduce the concept of 'water-centric planning' to the City of Dawson Creek and others in the region.