ANNOUNCEMENT: Real Estate Foundation of BC sponsors keynote presentation by Bob McDonald, host of “Quirks & Quarks” on CBC Radio, at Flow & Grow Water Sustainability Workshop (Nov 2016)
Keynote Speaker for “Flow & Grow Workshop” on November 29 in Kelowna
Water connects us to prosperity, quality of life and a sense of “home”
“Bob McDonald is loved by audiences across Canada because he has a knack for making complex scientific issues understandable, meaningful, and fun,” stated Ted van der Gulik, President of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, when he announced that Bob McDonald is Keynote Speaker #1 for the Flow and Grow Workshop in November 2016.
“Bob McDonald’s participation in FLOW AND GROW is made possible by the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia (REFBC). When we approached Jack Wong about our desire to involve the REFBC as a sponsor, he quickly stepped up to the plate. The Partnership for Water Sustainability is indeed appreciative that the REFBC sees the value of FLOW AND GROW as a potential watershed event.”
ONLINE REGISTRATION: Visit the IIABC website (and follow the links) https://www.irrigationbc.com
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Download Flow and Grow
REFBC supports water-centric land use planning
The REFBC has been making grants in support of the health and resilience of natural freshwater systems for many years. It has funded watershed planning, inventory and mapping of streams and lakeshores, and “water-centric” land use planning and education initiatives. Since 2012, Freshwater Sustainability has been one of its three priority granting areas.
“Freshwater sustainability is making choices that protect freshwater resources now and in the future. While a safe and abundant supply of fresh water is integral to communities, human settlement, population growth and climate change are putting 
pressure on this vital resource, impacting water quality and supply,” states Jack Wong, REFBC Chief Executive Officer.
“Communities in BC rely on groundwater, rainfall and snowmelt for their freshwater supply. Managing fresh water is made challenging by outdated plans and tools, inadequate infrastructure and incomplete information about streams, lakes and aquifers. By governing and managing freshwater resources well, our province has a better chance of ensuring abundant, clean water for ourselves and the natural world that supports us.”
“In a 2014 public opinion poll we commissioned, we found that 93% of British Columbians view water as our most precious natural resource. Water connects us to prosperity, quality of life and a sense of ‘home’,” concludes Jack Wong.
To Learn More:
Download Final Topline Findings: A Survey of British Columbian Attitudes on Fresh Water
Download Freshwater Insights 2013: Presentation on Public Opinion in British Columbia
