Beyond the Guidebook 2010 describes the evolution of an integrated approach, one that envisions achieving water sustainability through implementation of green infrastructure policies and practices. The time is now right to make the break from ‘ISMP’ and instead use ‘IRMP’ – that is, Integrated Rainwater Management Plan,” stated Peter Law.
Through its Official Community Plan Update, the District is advancing a vision for restoring the rainfall absorption capacity of our watersheds, one property at a time, over time. “To draw attention to the urgent need for action on single-family residential properties, we have created a set of images to illustrate why and how watershed health is at risk,” stated Richard Boase.
“Released in 2002, Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia is a pioneer application in North America of ‘adaptive management’ in a rainwater management setting. In fact, this is one of the five guiding principles for ISMPs. In the Guidebook, adaptive management means: We change direction when the science leads us to a better way,” stated Kim Stephens.
“Major breakthroughs happen when decision makers in government work with grass-roots visionaries in the community to create desired outcomes,” stated Eric Bonham. “Everyone needs to agree on expectations and how all the players will work together, and after that each community can reach its goals in its own way.”
“It is essential that we continue to promote the efficient use of water and provincial environment policy that would protect the very important watersheds that are under constant pressure for other uses,” stated Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
“Beyond the Guidebook 2010 is the story of what has been accomplished on the ground since 2004, through partnerships and collaboration. It speaks to the convention theme, Forging Gold Medal Standards, because 2010 is a year that will not soon be forgotten in British Columbia. This is the perfect time to capitalize on forward momentum in our communities,” stated Kim Stephens.
“The purpose in publishing the ISMP Course Correction Series is to draw attention to lessons learned and insights gained by those local government leaders who have ISMP and related experience. The sharing of experience will help stretch limited resources so that local governments can ‘do more with less’ in applying and benefitting from a ‘regional team approach’,” stated Tim Pringle.
“Effective conservation-oriented water pricing can help reconcile growing communities with the health of local watersheds and engage individuals and businesses to change their behaviour and begin reducing their water footprints,” stated Oliver Brandes.
The East Clayton Neighbourhood Concept Plan provided the first large-scale opportunity to ‘test’ a new approach which is sometimes characterized as ‘the future is the past’. From my perspective, one aspect which really stands out about the East Clayton plan is the integration of sustainability objectives,” stated Paul Ham.
“The Routley, Yorkson and Northeast Gordon neighbourhood communities illustrate how a ‘water-centric’ approach is changing the way that land is developed in Langley. Each neighbourhood features a different green innovation,” stated Ramin Seifi.
