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“CAVI is an innovative and precedent-setting approach to partnerships and collaboration that brings Together those who plan and regulate land use, those who build and those who provide the legislative framework,” wrote Eric Bonham. “Vancouver Island is the pilot region for rollout of ‘Beyond the Guidebook: The New Business As Usual’ with the adoption of an innovative approach to practitioner education. This provincial initiative builds on the foundation provided by ‘Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia’, published in 2002, and incorporates further lessons learned over the past 6 years.”

At each of three events, Eric Bonham explained how CAVI got started and provided insight as to why this bottom-up approach is resonating with local government and beyond. The goal is to promote networking, inform and educate practitioners, and help local governments move ‘from awareness to action’ in doing business differently.

“Showcasing of the Lower Cowichan River integrated plan for flood management creates an opportunity for inter-valley sharing because we in the Comox Valley can learn from the recent experience of our peers in the Cowichan Valley,” stated Glenn Westendorp.

“Water sustainability literally flows from a community's land ethic. If we treat the land with respect, the water resource will be protected. That is the essence of integration. We often hear experts talk about cumulative impacts when they explain degradation of water quality. Well, the flip side of a problem is an opportunity. Through implementation of green infrastructure policies and practices, we can achieve cumulative benefits over time, one property at a time,” stated Kim Stephens.

“In 2002, a provincial group with municipal representation from four regions came together to form an Inter-Governmental Partnership. Champion local governments have made a sustaining financial commitment to ensure the success of the Water Balance Model,” states Ted van der Gulik, Chair. “Early support and sustaining financial support by champion local governments that are Water Balance Model Partners was a foundation block in a building process that has culminated in formation of the Partnership as a legal entity.”

“We describe this as MISSION POSSIBLE because those operating in the local government setting can now access tools and experience that will enable them to make a difference. Our approach is TOP-DOWN / BOTTOM-UP. It is keyed to three words: ALIGNMENT, COLLABORATION, INTEGRATION,” stated Kim Stephens.

“The Partnership for Water Sustainability has a vision for reconnecting communities with the land. Simply put, we believe if we respect the land, water sustainability will follow. Getting there requires a change in mind-set and land ethic. We describe this as MISSION POSSIBLE because those operating in the local government setting can now access tools and experience that will enable them to make a difference. Our approach is top-down and bottom-up. It is keyed to three words: ALIGNMENT, COLLABORATION, INTEGRATION,” stated Kim Stephens.

“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.