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Drawing from both the local government and irrigation industry sectors, the workshop registration total was 105. “The turnout from the irrigation industry in providing a strong tradeshow component is a clear indicator of the value that they saw in supporting the workshop. The strength of the technical program attracted an attendance from up and down the east coast of Vancouver Island, as well as from the mainland,” stated Karen van der Gulik.

“I really believe that the key to the success of the Ministry’s relationship with the Partnership and its evolution over the years has been our shared vision for water stewardship. Also, I have a really strong belief that senior governments can’t do it alone…can’t do it nor should senior governments do it alone…when there is such a wealth of knowledge and innovation and ideas at the local level,” stated Lynn Kriwoken.

“The IIABC is collaborating with the Partnership to build a foundation for future change, This collaboration will help us align our industry education and certification offerings that include efficient irrigation systems. This will also assist us in supporting our membership with sustainable irrigation practices. We all need to be accountable for our water resource. With shared tools and programs; we can collaborate to make a difference,” stated Keesha Rosario.

The Board comprises Richard Boase, Peter Law, Tim Pringle, Derek Richmond, Mike Tanner and Ted van der Gulik. All have demonstrated via past performance that they can make an effective contribution in achieving the Partnership vision for settlement, economy and ecology in balance.

“Since the launch of CAVI in 2006, the primary focus has been information sharing and education. The depth of experience within the CAVI group has enabled it to intuitively know what works and why. It is hoped that we will be able to move that success to another level. By building on the essential concept of thinking and planning on a watershed basis, timing is right to integrate and expand this concept as the foundation of the ‘vision’ for Vancouver Island,” wrote Derek Richmond.

“The Partnership will continue to implement the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia in 2015; and will look for new opportunities and activities that can help us celebrate our successes. Success can only be accomplished through the integration of efforts of practitioners, including our many partners in the provincial government, local governments and non-profit societies,” stated Ted van der Gulik.

“In view of the demographic shift that is taking place in society, and that is characterized by a loss of institutional memory, the Partnership’s leadership team is committed to a bridging and mentoring role over the next decade. We are here to guide. Over the past year, we have been encouraged by the emergence of a generation that we anticipate will be the future leadership in local government,” stated Kim Stephens.

In 2007-2008, the University of British Columbia led a national initiative to create a network of experts that collaborate and share their experiences. In a series of conferences across Canada, Richard Boase of the District of North Vancouver made a defining presentation titled 'New Directions in Urban Watershed Health'. “A key message is that we were doing better 50 years ago when we did not even think about the need for rainwater capture,” he observed.

“The innovation that has occurred in the past three years is absolutely outstanding. Every municipality is doing something. We used to go down to Washington State to see what they are doing. Now they come up here to see what we are doing. It is the scale at which we are implementing rainwater management and green infrastructure that distinguishes British Columbia,” stated Kim Stephens.

The Board comprises six (6) Directors. At the 2014 Annual General Meeting, Tim Pringle and Derek Richmond were elected by acclamation to 3-year terms as Directors.