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1. ASSOCIATE MEMBER EXPLAINED: “Anyone with an interest in the activities of the Partnership can register as an Associate Member to receive the Waterbucket eNews newsletter. However, there is no voting privilege associated with this category,” states Peter Law, Associate Members Chair

   November 20, 2020 7:00 am Comments Off on ASSOCIATE MEMBER EXPLAINED: “Anyone with an interest in the activities of the Partnership can register as an Associate Member to receive the Waterbucket eNews newsletter. However, there is no voting privilege associated with this category,” states Peter Law, Associate Members Chair

    

   

   Operating Principle: Inclusivity

   Incorporated as a not-for-profit society in November 2010, the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia is the hub for a “convening for action network” in the local government setting – this encompasses both the government and stewardship sectors. The Partnership purposes are three-fold:

   • To promote and advance protection and management of natural and engineered water resources.
   • To provide educational, research, and technical services and tools for practitioners involved in water resources functions.
   • To foster integrated protection and management strategies through practitioner expertise.

   The funnel graphic (above) illustrates conceptually the opportunity for those who are keen and leading change in British Columbia to gravitate, over time, to a leadership position within the Partnership.

   Associate Membership

   “Keeping in mind the Board’s desire for inclusivity as an operating principle, our policy is that any individual with an interest in green infrastructure and/or water sustainability can become an Associate Member of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia. However, there is no voting privilege associated with this category,” states Peter Law, Director and Membership Chair.

   “To become an Associate Member, all an individual need do is go to the top-right corner of any page on the waterbucket.ca website and follow the instructions to receive the weekly Waterbucket News. This will keep them informed of the Partnership’s activities and initiatives.

   “In the spirit of sharing and spreading the lessons learned by those who are leading change, members who are registered in the non-voting Associate category have our permission to make use of information resources and guidance documents published by the Partnership. Currently, almost 2500 individuals receive the Partnership’s weekly Waterbucket News. All we ask in return is that the source of these resources be acknowledged by those who use them.

   “From the Board’s perspective, granting free Associate membership in the Partnership would promote broader awareness of the Partnership’s vision and mission. We anticipate that this inclusive approach would also foster a sense of belonging on the part of those many British Columbians who benefit from the Partnership’s outreach and training activities.”

   Filling the “Expertise Vacuum”

   “In these changing and challenging times when every level of government is expected to do more with the same resources, the Partnership for Water Sustainability is benefitting from the hands-on involvement of a pool of experienced practitioners who volunteer and contribute their knowledge. By drawing on the wisdom of retired career civil servants, the Partnership is also helping to fill the expertise vacuum left by demographic change and loss of organizational capacity,” states Mike Tanner, Director and Waterbucket Chair.

   “This approach to doing business differently is creating opportunities for experienced professionals to mentor the next generation of land use and water resource practitioners. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel when knowledge and learning can be shared.”

   To Learn More:

   The Partnership has prepared a short-form document that addresses these questions:

   1. Why was our Partnership formed?
   2. What is our vision?
   3. What is our mission?
   4. What are the specific challenges that the Partnership is addressing?
   5. Who will benefit?
   6. What methods will the Partnership use to alleviate/solve these challenges/issues?
   7. What is our track record of accomplishments?
   8. What are our qualifications to solve these challenges?

   For a set of responses to these questions, click on OUR STORY to download a copy of the synopsis document.

   

2. Lifetime Member – Debra Oakman (inducted in 2017)

   October 21, 2017 7:43 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Derek Richmond (Director & CAVI Past-Chair) and Kim Stephens (Executive Director) co-presented a framed copy of the “letter of recognition” attesting to Debra’s Lifetime Membership in the Partnership.

   Debra Oakman – A Champion for Water & Watershed Sustainability in the Comox Valley

   Debra Oakman career within regional government commenced in 1994. Her dedication and hard work moved her through the Comox Strathcona Regional District from deputy treasurer to manager of financial services and general manager of corporate services.

   In 2008 Debra Oakman became the first Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) when it was created as a result of splitting the Comox Strathcona Regional District into two entities. She was instrumental in ensuring the interests of the region were considered during the restructure in 2008.

   Debra Oakman led the organization and region for a decade and worked with the CVRD Board to ensure a succession plan was in place for a new CAO to lead the organization into the next decade.

   

   Comox Valley experience has informed the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative

   The Comox Valley Regional District is a member of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. The Partnership is the hub for a “convening for action” network in the local government setting, and is responsible for delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan program through partnerships and collaboration.

   The program includes the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI). The IREI involves five regional districts representing 75% of BC’s population.

   “An early participant in the Action Plan program, CVRD was the Partnership’s sponsor regional district when the IREI was launched in 2012. The support of the CVRD Board was secured with the assistance of Debra Oakman,” stated Kim Stephens, Partnership Executive Director.

   

   Derek Richmond speaking to the CVRD Board about Debra Oakman’s contribution to the success of the Partnership

   “Her involvement with the work of the Partnership dates back to 2008 when the regional district was created in its current form,” added Derek Richmond, a Partnership Director who is resident in the Comox Valley. “Over the years, Debra has provided the Partnership with her insight and suggestions at key decision points.

   “The Partnership presented Debra with a framed Lifetime Membership in order to honour her and draw attention to her high-level contribution to the success of the Action Plan in general and IREI in particular. Both are guided by the 4Cs – communicate, cooperate, coordinate, collaborate.”

   To Learn More:

   Download a PDF copy of the Presentation of Lifetime Membership to Debra Oakman.

   

   

   

   

   Beyond the Guidebook 2015:
   Time-Line for Comox Valley shows how “regional team approach” has evolved over past decade

   Three regional strategies provide both a policy framework and a backdrop for inter-governmental collaboration in the Comox Valley:

   • Nature Without Borders (2008)
   • Regional Growth Strategy (2010)
   • Regional Sustainability Strategy (2010)

   “Adoption of the regional strategies has resulted in much for municipal staffs to absorb and digest about doing business differently, while at the same time they are tasked with keeping the wheels of government rolling to meet ongoing commitments,” stated Kevin Lagan, former Director of Operational Services for the City of Courtenay. 

   “Because water sustainability is achieved through implementation of green infrastructure practices, the Comox Valley-CAVI Regional Team convenes for action around this paradigm: Water is the finite resource; however, management of development is the control.”

   To Learn More:

   CLICK HERE to download a pdf copy of Figure 28 from Beyond the Guidebook 2015. This is complete with a colour-coding legend.

   The Comox Valley chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is 12 pages and is organized in six sections. To download a PDF copy and read the complete story, click on Comox Valley-CAVI Regional Team.

   To download a copy of the entire 158-page Beyond the Guidebook 2015, click on the link below:  https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf

   

    

3. CHAMPION SUPPORTER: recognition of the Township of Langley (October 2017)

   October 7, 2017 2:13 am Leave a Comment

   Note  to Reader:

   On October 2, 2017 Ted van der Gulik and Kim Stephens of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC presented the Mayor and the Council of the Township of Langley with a framed “letter of recognition” as a Champion Supporter. The Township is a leader by example in the Metro Vancouver region.

   

   Mayor Jack Froese, centre, flanked by the Partnership for Water Sustainability’s Ted van der Gulik (L) and Kim Stephens (R)

   Langley Township is a Champion Supporter of the Partnership for Water Sustainability

   The Champion Supporter designation is the Partnership’s way of formally recognizing government and non-government organizations that provide the Partnership with ongoing financial and/or in-kind support; and also play a leadership role in the “convening for action” initiative.

   The Partnership is a not-for-profit society and our partners mostly represent local governments. Hence, the Township of Langley’s demonstrated commitment to achieving a shared vision for water sustainability in a local government setting is vitally important to the Partnership’s capability to carry out its mission.

   Shared Vision for Water Sustainability

   The Township of Langley has supported the work of the Partnership since 2005, in particular the Water Balance Model initiative. In 2007, for example, the Township co-hosted the Metro Vancouver Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation Series.

   Successful ‘sharing & learning’ influenced everything that has followed, helping to lay the groundwork for the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative, launched in 2012.

   Design with nature, a whole-system approach, learn by doing and adapt. These three phrases capture the essence of how the Township builds neighbourhoods. Their record of success to date is impressive.

   Sharing the Township’s story with others helps the Partnership achieve our educational mission. Township experience demonstrates the critical success factors that must be in play for communities to achieve the vision for Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management.

   The stewardship ethic for creating liveable neighbourhoods in Langley is shaped by “cathedral thinking”, that is – a far-reaching vision, a well thought-out blueprint, and a shared commitment by elected representatives, staff and community to long-term implementation. Well done!

   To Learn More:

   Download the Agenda for the Council Meeting on October 2, 2017.

   Download Green Infrastructure Innovation: Langley Township is a Leader by Example to view the PowerPoint presentation by Kim Stephens.

   View the presentation on YouTube.

4. What the Partnership Does

   August 18, 2017 11:40 pm Leave a Comment

   

   The Partnership has a Bridging Role

   The Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC is a legal entity, incorporated in 2010 as a not-for-profit society, and delivers services on behalf of government. It originated as an inter-governmental partnership, formed in 2002 to fund and develop the Water Balance Model as a web-based decision support tool.

   When the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia (Action Plan) was released in 2004, the Water Balance Model for BC was the centrepiece initiative. Action Plan experience informed development of Living Water Smart, British Columbia’s Water Plan, released in 2008, as well as the parallel Green Communities Initiative.

   The Partnership for Water Sustainability embraces shared responsibility, is the hub for a “convening for action” network in the local government setting, and is responsible for delivering the Action Plan program through partnerships and collaboration. This program includes the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative.

   The Partnership for Water Sustainability plays a bridging role between Province, local government and community; and is the steward for Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia, a provincial guidance document released in 2002.

   Encourage Alignment within British Columbia

   Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery: A BC Framework establishes a high-level, systematic approach that supports local governments in moving toward service, asset and financial sustainability through an asset management approach. The development of the Framework was led by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and Asset Management BC.

   The work of the Partnership for Water Sustainability is aligned with the vision for the Framework; and is about HOW to implement Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management.

   The BC Framework focuses on desired outcomes rather than prescribing specific methodologies. It recognizes that communities are in the best position to tailor solutions to individual needs and capacities.

   

    

   Embrace Cross-Border Collaboration

   Given the evident benefits of strategic interaction, the Partnership and the Urban Watershed Research Institute (UWRI) have an agreement to collaborate regarding reciprocal benefits and joint actions related to water resources research and practice in North America.

   The focal point for collaboration is the newly formed and US-based Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management.

   British Columbia experience in whole-system, water balance based approaches in the Pacific Northwest adds a critical combination of tools and understanding to the water resources toolbox.

   To Learn More:

   Download Cross-border collaboration would enhance water resources research and practice in North America: Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management” in British Columbia

   Implementing the Whole-System, Water Balance Approach

   The Partnership for Sustainability in British Columbia collaborates with government and others to develop methodologies, tools and resources to support implementation of the Whole-System, Water Balance Approach; as well as provide teaching, training and mentoring.

   In 2002, the Guidebook established a new direction for drainage engineering in British Columbia with introduction of the Integrated Strategy for managing the complete spectrum of rainfall events.

   Beyond the Guidebook Program

   The Integrated Strategy expands the scope and responsibility of drainage practice to include stream health. The Guidebook looked at rainfall differently. Its innovation included:

   • Translated science-based understanding.
   • Introduced the “retain-detain-convey” strategy.
   • Formalized the performance target approach.
   • Established an adaptive management precedent.
   • Initiated the paradigm-shift to rainwater management.

   Building on the Guidebook foundation, the subsequent and ongoing Beyond the Guidebook program delivered by the Partnership is a multi-year process. The program objective is to encourage, enable and support science (evidence)-based changes to planning and engineering practices that result in ‘design with nature’ outcomes.

   

5. Lifetime Member – Mike Donnelly (inducted in 2017)

   June 13, 2017 4:39 am Leave a Comment

   

   Mike Donnelly (centre) receives Lifetime Membership in the Partnership from Kim Stephens (right) and John Finnie (left)

   Mike Donnelly – A Champion for Water & Watershed Sustainability in the Nanaimo Region

   Mike Donnelly’s professional career covers over 30 years of experience involving engineering surveying, systems computerization, transit system management, and solid waste, water and wastewater utilities operation and management.

   Prior to his retirement in May 2016, Mike was the Manager of Water & Utilities Services with the Regional District of Nanaimo.  In addition to his responsibility for several water and sewer service areas in the District, he also managed the Region’s Drinking Water & Watershed Protection function and served as its Technical Advisory Committee Chair.

   Water was an important focus for Mike, from both career and personal perspectives.  But he also kept busy by wearing hats, at various times, as President of the RCMP Auxiliary, President of Tourism Nanaimo Board, and President of the Coastal Community Credit Union Board.  He also currently serves on the City of Nanaimo Public Works & Engineering Committee.

   In March 2017, and in recognition of his years of commitment to promoting the vision of water sustainability on Vancouver Island, and particularly within the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Partnership for Water Sustainability named Mike Donnelly as a Lifetime Member.

   RDN experience has informed the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative

   “Mike Donnelly’s effort and dedication to advancing the Drinking Water & Watershed Protection program are considered to be a key component of the success of the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative,” noted John Finnie, a member of the Leadership Team for the Partnership for Water Sustainability. Prior to retiring from government, John Finnie was the RDN’s General Manager, Regional and Community Utilities.

   “Significantly, the RDN activities and success have stimulated interest and action in water protection and sustainability in other regions of Vancouver Island and the province,” emphasized John Finnie.

   John Finnie and Mike Donnelly were the co-architects of the RDN’s Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Plan program.

   A Forum for Sharing & Learning

   “The Regional District of Nanaimo’s water sustainability goals have meshed very well with those of the Partnership over the many years we have worked together,” responded Mike Donnelly.

   “The working relationship enhances the ability of both organizations to reach their common goals in water sustainability while supporting each other.  A highlight of that relationship was being part of the Inter-Regional Education Initiative, an excellent forum for learning and passing on hard won experience.”

   “It has been a real pleasure working with Kim Stephens and Partnership group over the years, all the best.”

   

   

   Beyond the Guidebook 2015:
   Time-Line highlights milestones for “watershed-based approach” in Nanaimo Region

   The RDN was the first regional district to embrace a leadership role within the CAVI -Convening for Action on Vancouver Island initiative. The RDN’s contribution to inter-regional “sharing and learning” is the experience it has gained over the past decade in first developing and then implementing the precedent-setting Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Program.

   “A growing population combined with known negative impacts created the need to tackle issues of groundwater depletion, stream degradation, surface water contamination and the changes climate change will bring. Land use planning and development standards cannot be effectively modified without a clear understanding of our water resources, where they are changing and why,” explained Mike Donnelly.

   To Learn More:

   The Regional District of Nanaimo chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is 16 pages and is organized in five sections as shown below. To download a PDF copy and read the complete story, click on Convening for Action in Nanaimo Region.

   

   

6. A Testimonial to the Partnership for Water Sustainability: “Thanks for your tireless efforts to spread an understanding of hydrology and watershed-based land management!”, wrote Deborah Jones (Jan 2017)

   January 21, 2017 5:02 am Leave a Comment

   

   Design with Nature!

   “My husband and I are just back from a week visiting friends who have a condo on Kaua’i, the ‘garden isle’. Of the several gardens we visited, my favourite was the Limahuli Garden on the north shore,” wrote Deborah Jones, Rain Gardens Coordinator, Cougar Creek Streamkeepers.ca (North Delta/Surrey BC).

   “It is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens (5 locations in total), and it encompasses a good portion of an old “ahupua’a”. The old agricultural terraces were discovered in the course of a restoration project.”

   “They are irrigated by small trenches that divert water from Limahuli stream, then send the excess back into the stream. Of course it all depends on having a population size appropriate to the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. Too darn many of us humans nowadays!”

   “Thanks for your tireless efforts to spread an understanding of hydrology and watershed-based land management!”

   

   

   

7. CHAMPION SUPPORTER: recognition of the Regional District of Nanaimo (May 2016)

   May 15, 2016 3:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Note to Reader:

   On May 10, 2016 Kim Stephens of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC presented the Chair and Board of the Regional District of Nanaimo with a framed “letter of recognition” as a Champion Supporter because the RDN is a leader by example on Vancouver Island.

   

   Chair Bill Veenhof (L) receives framed Champion Supporter letter of recognition from Kim Stephens (R)

   RDN is a Champion Supporter of the Partnership for Water Sustainability

   The Champion Supporter designation is the Partnership’s way of formally recognizing government and non-government organizations that provide the Partnership with ongoing financial and/or in-kind support; and also play a leadership role in the “convening for action” initiative.

   While the Partnership is a not-for-profit society, our voting members mostly represent local governments. Hence, the RDN’s demonstrated commitment to achieving a shared vision for water sustainability in a local government setting is vitally important to the Partnership’s capability to carry out its mission.

   Shared Vision for Water Sustainability

   In 2012, Board support for the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI) enabled the Partnership to align efforts and implement the “proof of approach” in collaboration with the Capital, Cowichan and Comox Valley regional districts. The experience gained that year subsequently informed full-scale implementation along the east coast of Vancouver Island and in the Metro Vancouver region.

   “My primary purpose in meeting with the RDN Board was to provide the Directors with an overview of the work of the Partnership, our goals for the coming years, and to introduce them to Beyond the Guidebook 2015, the third in a series of guidance documents.” states Kim Stephens. “It also created an opportunity to thank the Directors for Board support for the past decade and present a framed copy of the ‘letter of recognition’ that the RDN is a Champion Supporter of the Partnership.”

   To Learn More:

   Download Delegation Information Package for Presentation to RDN Committee of the Whole on May 10, 2016.

   

   Moving Towards Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management

   “In BC, a ‘learn-by-doing’ process is opening minds and building confidence that communities can re-set the baseline and can replicate a desired watershed condition,” continues Kim Stephens.

   “The Beyond the Guidebook Series documents the progress of local government champions who are leading implementation of changes in practice. It takes time to make a difference. Three milestone years along the way are: 2007, 2010 and 2015.”

   “Beyond the Guidebook 2015 introduces Dr. Daniel Pauly’s Shifting Baseline Syndrome to explain why communities unwittingly accept incremental and cumulative environmental degradation. It then adapts this thinking to focus on how communities can turn the clock back to replicate desired conditions.  This outcome would be achievable through an approach that is being branded as Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management,” concludes Kim Stephens.

   To Learn More:

   Download Beyond the Guidebook 2015: Presentation to the Regional District of Nanaimo Committee of the Whole in May 2016 to view the complete storyline for the presentation by Kim Stephens.

   The Regional District of Nanaimo chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is 16 pages and is organized in five sections as shown below. To download a PDF copy and read the complete story, click on Convening for Action in Nanaimo Region.

   To download the entire 158-page document, click on Beyond the Guidebook 2015.

   

8. REFLECTIONS ON THE 2015 DROUGHT: “The key now is how we take the 2015 teachable year and build on it in terms of where we go with the new Water Sustainability Act,” stated Kim Stephens when interviewed by Kirk LaPointe on Roundhouse Radio

   January 11, 2016 2:03 am Leave a Comment

   Note to Reader:

   For British Columbians, 2015 was the year of the great drought, dwindling snow packs, melting glaciers, beleaguered salmon runs and a costly forest fire season, followed by windstorms and heavy rains. Launched from a powerful El Nino, storms caused the single largest electrical outage in the province’s history. The 2015 Drought was selected as the Top Story of 2015 in a poll conducted by the CBC.

   

   To listen to Kirk LaPointe interview Kim Stephens: first, go to http://cirh.streamon.fm/ (or click on the image above); then go to “Our City” on the PROGRAM dropdown; and scroll down to January 7, 2016

   2015 ranks with 2003 as a defining ‘teachable year’ for a paradigm-shift

   The drought that extended this past winter, spring and summer from Vancouver Island to Manitoba and from Mexico to the Yukon suggests that Western North America may be crossing an invisible threshold into a different hydro-meteorological regime.

   Year-end newspaper, radio and television interviews about BC’s changing climate featured the perspective provided by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia. In the first week of January, Kirk LaPointe invited Kim Stephens for an in-depth conversation about water on Roundhouse Radio in Vancouver.

   Kim Stephens is the Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia.

   Prescribe Outcomes vs Embrace Shared Responsibility?

   In the course of the conversation, Kirk LaPointe asked: “What would be your prescription for a city like ours where the land use is relatively diverse. There is not a lot of agricultural land inside our city (Vancouver). Yet users are very demanding on the system, and where you have individuals who maybe do not act as a community at times, but are rather isolated. What would be your prescription for a big place like this?”

   “If is funny that you would use the word prescription,” replied Kim Stephens. “In British Columbia we don’t prescribe. We encourage shared responsibility. Prescribing just doesn’t seem to work. We seem to have to get to a critical mass where people realize that we have to do something.”

   “Didn’t we get there last year?” interjected Kirk LaPointe.

   Potential for Implementing Changes in Practice Through the Water Sustainability Act

   “You would hope so,” replied Kim Stephens. “If I Iook back in context, the last ‘teachable year’ was 2003. That set in motion a process that culminated with a number of things, mainly the adoption in 2014 of the Water Sustainability Act. The key now is…how do we take the 2015 teachable year and build on that in terms of where we go with all the aspects of the Water Sustainability Act…which does include regulations.”

   This statement led Kirk LaPointe to ask: “So, what are your ‘encouragements’?”

   Decisions Ripple Through Time

   “It does start with the understanding and the ‘water ethic’ of those who are in the front-lines on a daily basis and are making decisions in local government,” responded Kim Stephens. “Those actions that get approved on a daily basis will either have cumulative benefits or impacts, one property at a time.”

   “So, the biggest thing that we can accomplish in the short-term is educating enough people to get to that critical mass that understand that each site is part of a watershed, and what each of us does has consequences, or better still, benefits. We are in transition now. We have changed the nature of thinking at a watershed scale. Now the focus is on how we implement changes, which do include performance targets, for managing water at the site scale so that we can achieve those big picture goals.”

   To Learn More:

   Click on “The Drought” was British Columbia’s Top News Story of 2015

   

9. Year-end media interviews raise profile and awareness of Partnership for Water Sustainability

   December 27, 2015 12:01 am Leave a Comment

   Note to Reader:

   In December 2015, both of British Columbia’s major newspapers published front-page news stories that drew attention to the Partnership for Water Sustainability. In addition, both CBC Radio and CBC TV sought out the Partnership for a perspective on The Top Story of 2015, that is – the drought that started in Winter 2015 and continued through Summer 2015.

   

   Dan Burritt of CBC News interviews Kim Stephens, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC (Click on image or follow this link: https://waterbucket.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-12-23-KimStephensCBCnosubtitles.mp4)

   News coverage featuring the Partnership for Water Sustainability

   On December 2, headline story in the Vancouver Sun:
   At the 2015 Feast AND Famine Workshop: “Market gardens not the answer to B.C.’s food challenges,” said Ted van der Gulik, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC

   December 18, headline story in the Vancouver Province: 
   Reflections on the 2015 Drought: “In engineering terms, in BC we have small margins of safety for water storage and therefore limited resiliency to adapt to a changing climate,” says the Partnership for Water Sustainability’s Kim Stephens

   December 23 – feature story on “CBC News at 6”: 
   CBC Poll: 2015 Drought is British Columbia’s “Top Story of the Year”

   December 23 – interviews on CBC radio early morning “news talk” shows in four regions (Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Kamloops and Prince George): Drought is Top BC News Story of 2015: “The past 30 years has been a period of instability in terms of water supply,” stated Kim Stephens in a CBC radio year-end interview

   

   

   Stephen Quinn of CBC Radio interviews Kim Stephens, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC, on “The Early Edition” show for December 23 (Click on image or follow this link: https://waterbucket.ca/atp/files/2015/12/Kim-Stephens.mp3)

   

10. B.C.’s Top Story of 2015 revealed….

    December 23, 2015 8:20 pm Leave a Comment

     

    

    Voted #1 – Summer drought, water shortages and wildfires

    This past summer was one of the driest in recent years.

    It started early — with May being the driest on record — and by late July Metro Vancouver had moved to Stage 3 water restrictions.

    Meanwhile, parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast Regional District declared Stage 4 restrictions, the toughest water restrictions in B.C.

    The tinder-dry conditions also caused massive wildfires, including the Rock Creek Fire, which forced more than a hundred people to evacuate their homes.

    At the peak of the season, there were roughly 250 wildfires burning across the province, and the government spent $287 million fighting forest fires.

    Implications for Storage-Constrained Systems During a Drought

    “In other regions, notably California, they think of droughts in terms of number of years. In the Georgia Basin (Southwest BC), we measure droughts in terms of number of months,” says Kim Stephens, Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. “As we have increasingly experienced in recent decades, three months versus either four or five months of essentially rain-free weather makes a material difference from a water supply perspective.”

    “The reason is that we are storage-constrained in BC. The province is 85% mountainous. There are relatively few locations to provide seasonal storage. We are not able to store what we potentially might need. As a result, we are vulnerable unless we are water-wise.”

    TO LEARN MORE:

    Click on image below to watch Dan Burritt of CBC Vancouver interview Kim Stephens.

    And then click on Reflections on the 2015 Drought: “In engineering terms, in BC we have small margins of safety for water storage and therefore limited resiliency to adapt to a changing climate,” says the Partnership for Water Sustainability’s Kim Stephens

    

    Dan Burritt of CBC News interviews Kim Stephens, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC (Click on image or follow this link: https://waterbucket.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2015-12-23-KimStephensCBCnosubtitles.mp4)