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“The Partnership originated as an inter-governmental initiative almost two decades ago, became the BC Water Sustainability Committee in 2003, and then 9 years ago on November 19, 2010 was incorporated as a not-for-profit society,” stated Ray Fung. “The mission of the Partnership is to develop tools and talent, and focus on outcomes that align regional and local actions with a provincial policy, program and regulatory framework for achieving water and watershed sustainability.”

“PWSBC success is accomplished by partnering with the provincial government, local governments, non-profit societies and practitioners. Our successes are only possible with their support and efforts,” stated Ted van der Gulik. “The Partnership is responsible for three provincial tools that support ongoing implementation of the Water Sustainability Act. The three are the Agriculture Water Licencing Tool, Landscape Water Calculator, and Agriculture Water Demand Model.

“The Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI) is the Partnership’s flagship program. Five regional districts are IREI partners: Metro Vancouver, Capital, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley and Comox Valley. Combined, they represent 75% of BC’s population. The Partnership’s mandate is to provide value through collaboration and partnerships. The IREI provides local governments with a mechanism to collaborate, share outcomes and cross-pollinate experience with each other,” stated Kim Stephens.

In June 2019, the newly created Intengine Global Change Foundation will host hundreds of young sustainability leaders and established industry-wide professionals, for the first annual Sustainability Leadership Congress. “The Partnership is participating in the Congress because the Intengine Foundation’s vision for intergenerational capacity-building aligns with the commitment by the Partnership to identify and mentor emerging talent in the local government setting,” stated Kim Stephens.

Big or small, rural or urban, our communities are experiencing change at an unprecedented rate. From climate change to economic pressures, local governments are on the front lines managing the local impact of complex issues. In an uncertain future, local leaders have a duty to learn from each other and from the past and to find new approaches to plan and thrive. “One-on-one conversations with mayors and councillors from towns around BC was an effective way to inform them about the Partnership’s work,” stated Richard Boase.

Dating back to 2008, Glenn Westerndorp’s enthusiastic participation in the CAVI-Convening for Action on Vancouver Island initiative helped the Partnership demonstrate the benefits of the ‘regional team approach’ in the Comox Valley. He then helped lay the foundation for successfully implementing the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI), commencing in 2012. Comox Valley activities and successes have had ripple effects in stimulating interest and action in the vision for Sustainable Watershed Systems through Asset Management in other regions,