Convening for Action in British Columbia

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DOWNLOAD A COPY OF: Living Water Smart in British Columbia: “Confront the problems, operationalize sustainable service delivery!” – released by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in February 2025)

Note to Reader:

Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. The edition published on February 11, 2025 featured an essay by Arnold Schwabe of Asset Management BC. He shares his vision for building on the foundation created by Wally Wells, his predecessor as Executive Director (2010-2024). His core message is that it is time for a re-set in terms of how local governments deliver services.

 

Confront the problems, operationalize sustainable service delivery!

In Fall 2024, Arnold Schwabe succeeded the indomitable Wally Wells as Executive Director of Asset Management BC. Wally Wells is often described as a living legend in the world of asset management. He is a tough act to follow but Arnold Schwabe says he is up to the challenge!

In his new role, Arnold Schwabe has the Asset Management BC Newsletter as a communication platform. This edition of Waterbucket eNews features the inaugural opinion piece written by Arnold. In the Story Behind the Story that follows, he shares his vision for building on the foundation created by Wally Wells through hard work over 15 years.

Arnold’s  focus is on what local governments are supposed to do. Too often, he observes, councils do not understand the purposes and function of local government in providing services.

CALL TO ACTION: Operationalize asset management for sustainable service delivery

“Downloading is a real issue and local governments are frustrated with the Province,” observes Arnold Schwabe. “I say that from the perspective of someone whose career experience over 35 years includes working for and with all three levels of government. My last 17 years were with local government.”

 

 

“From my perspective, however, there is hope because we are seeing renewed interest by local governments to talk about how to operationalize Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery. When I receive requests to talk to elected officials, that opens the door for me to help them understand that their job is about the service not the assets.”

To learn more:

To read the complete 3-part story, download a copy of Living Water Smart in British Columbia: Confront the problems, operationalize sustainable service delivery!

DOWNLOAD A COPY: https://waterbucket.ca/wcp/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/PWSBC_Living-Water-Smart_Arnold-Schwabe-and-Sustainable-Service-Delivery_2025.pdf