“The Reference Panel emphasis is on the HOW because we believe the key to our work is ensuring that whatever is included in the Plan gets implemented. Continued scrutiny and momentum is crucial to ensuring accountability and support, in particular that adequate resources are provided to get the job done,” stated Christianne Wilhelmson, Co-Chair.
“The ‘Surrey Forum’ was designed to start a dialogue between policy-makers and project implementers. The program was built around the HOW question as it pertains to green infrastructure,” stated Vincent Lalonde.
“The Reference Panel story is an important one, and has provincial relevance. This citizen advisory group has developed a policy framework that has influenced the region's Liquid Resource Management Plan,” stated Mike Tanner.
“Current senior government regulations deal with one contaminant at a time and even though levels may be below some set threshold, the presence of multiple contaminants and their interaction can have impacts on organisms in the long term that are not being considered. The Cautions, Warnings, Triggers process now used by Metro Vancouver focuses mainly on individual contaminants,” stated Ken Hall.
“Fats, oils and grease (FOG) waste discharges from commercial establishments have significant impacts on the capacity and condition of the sanitary sewer collection system, and therefore have substantial cost implications over time. This is the reason why we recommended that the region provide additional financial incentives, enforcement resources and automated monitoring technologies,” stated Garry Cooper.
“The four recommendations by the Reference Panel are intended to help Metro Vancouver create a 'financial road map'. In turn, this will help communicate what is involved in implementing liquid resource management infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner,” stated Mark Hodgson.
“Metro Vancouver and its members need to resolve the persistent and costly sanitary “Inflow & Infiltration Issue” by acting on policy and legal tools that enable municipalities to implement timely and appropriate measures on private property,” stated Shaun Carroll.
“Metro Vancouver Reference Panel recommends establishing a ‘stewarding committee’ to ensure Liquid Resource Management Plan stays true to the vision. There is a need for fresh, objective eyes bolstered by a strong political mandate to keep asking questions, prod Metro Vancouver and members toward the vision, and assist with the waste-to-resource paradigm-shift over time. A ‘stewarding committee’ would play an expert and non-partisan role,” stated Susan Rutherford.
“The policy framework proposed by the Reference Panel is founded on the premise that the Metro Vancouver region will manage sewage and rainwater as resources, not wastes; and will strive to achieve Integrated Resource Recovery progess incrementally,” stated Elaine Golds.
Commencing in 2007, Vancouver Island has been the pilot region for a regional team approach that seeks to align local actions with provincial goals. “Experience gained in one region is being adapted to suit the needs of the other regions. Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island are learning from each other, and are moving in the same direction,” stated John Finnie.
