“For storm sewer systems, the process of establishing an acceptable ‘Level-of-Service’ will require local governments to review, examine, and justify the existing standards and how to transition into the future where costs must be balanced against public needs and expectations,” states Jim Dumont.
“The rebuilt scenario comparison tool is tailored to multiple levels of users who have a wide range of technical backgrounds, from hydrology experts to stewardship groups. The model now has launch buttons at three scales of investigation,” reports Richard Boase.
“Now, local governments can focus on what is most important AND achieve more at less cost. The Screening Tool provides a quick and inexpensive look into the drainage system performance to highlight any problem areas. Thus it will provide inexpensive input into establishing priorities for capital budgets,” states Jim Dumont.
“Recently, the Partnership made a key decision to create a new front page to the waterbucket.ca website to help strengthen our identity, support forward looking initiatives that tackle some of the most important issues about water sustainability, and to realize exciting new opportunities,” reports Mike Tanner.
“We incur a deficit when we spend more than we have or OVERSPEND. But our problem with our infrastructure is we spend less than we should or we UNDERSPEND. So we are really creating a negative legacy or Infrastructure LIABILITY. It is not a deficit,” states Wally Wells.
“It is a great resource, well written. Down to earth, and in line with what the Water Sustainability Action Plan speaks about… The new business as usual, connecting the dots and giving useful tools and roadmaps for success. It is an easy read, and captivating with the stories, quotes and pictures,” states Kathy Bishop.
“In 2005, we said that the Guidebook would be the ‘telling of the stories’ of how change is being implemented on-the-ground in BC. Before the chapters could be written, however, the regional case studies had to run their course,” states Glen Brown.
“Each of the seven chapters in ‘Beyond the Guidebook 2010’ is complemented by a number of supporting documents that elaborate on aspects of on-the-ground successes in British Columbia. In total, there are 41 resource documents. All are downloadable from waterbucket.ca website,” states Mike Tanner.
“We are moving from guidelines to tools. It helps to look back to understand how we got to here. Beyond the Guidebook 2007 represents the initial course correction in applying the Urban Stormwater Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat, Draft Discussion Document,” stated Corino Salomi.
“So many in local government are searching for the magical ‘silver bullet’to resolve watershed issues and challenges. Yet soil, vegetation and trees can do more for our watersheds than decades of planning, consulting and complicated engineering design will ever achieve,” states Richard Boase.
