“We always look for ways to do a better job, apply technology effectively and efficiently, and save the District money. This is the philosophy that we have brought to the Hastings Creek Blueprint. Our watershed-based approach captures the stewardship ethic which is deeply rooted in the North Vancouver community,” states Richard Boase.
“Everything the Partnership does is founded on the proven experience of local government champions who are leading change in BC. Inter-regional collaboration will help everyone go farther, more efficiently and effectively, to achieve these three objectives: design with nature, implement green infrastructure and mimic the Water Balance,” states Kim Stephens.
“The approach of focussing on water quality is short-sighted and will prove to be only a part of the solution. It seems that everyone has forgotten the pioneering work of Richard Horner and Chris May in the late 1990s in Washington State,” states Jim Dumont. “It is critical to look at the stream to see its condition and its needs, rather than assuming that one solution from another region is the only solution.”
“Over the years, we have observed that waterbucket.ca stories are effective in creating interest and establishing expectations for Partnership events. The waterbucket.ca team is therefore pleased to provide this homepage to preview what to expect at the seminar on September 19,” states Mike Tanner.
“The Hastings Creek Blueprint is much more than a report. It is an online decision support tool: map-based; and inter-departmental in application. It is already enabling the District to incorporate early actions into operational work plans,” emphasizes Kim Stephens.
“The Ministry’s renewed emphasis on the rainwater management component of Liquid Waste Management Plans has created an opportunity to demonstrate how to integrate regulatory compliance and collaboration,” stated Cairine MacDonald, (former) Deputy Minister of Environment in a September 2012 announcement.
“The Hastings Creek story is the first in a series of Watershed Blueprint Case Profiles that the Partnership is releasing. These will inform inter-regional collaboration among local governments in BC. We anticipate that sharing experiences will accelerate effective watershed restoration and/or protection within participating regions,” states Tim Pringle.
Richard Boase and Ariel Estrada are the Hasting Creek Watershed Blueprint co-champions. Their long-term working relationship has built the foundation for an on-the-ground understanding of what is needed to restore watershed and stream health, what is possible and how to implement change.
“The Hastings Creek Watershed Blueprint has helped us figure out the context for the Lynn Valley Town Centre. In the process, we have demonstrated how to move back and forth between scales. We have also learned how to work with imperfect information and work towards a solution. We have enough information to make decisions,” states Susan Haid.
“Integration of the Lynn Valley Town Centre and Watershed Blueprint processes has yielded invaluable understanding. We have a plan; there is agreement about the goals; we are developing tools for use by staff, developers and homeowners; and we have a schedule of opportunities. Everything that we need is in play,” states Gavin Joyce.
