“The Beyond the Guidebook initiative initiated a course correction that will help local governments and the development community establish what level of rainwater runoff volume reduction makes sense. The objective of protecting stream health is broader than how much volume one can infiltrate on a particular development,” stated Corino Salomi.
The City is leading by example in demonstrating on-the-ground applications of a 'design with nature' approach within the highly urban Lonsdale Avenue corridor. “”Rain gardens have been included in bus bulges on Lonsdale to minimize the impact of the built environment on the City’s small streams. But this is just part of the picture,” stated Tony Barber.
A key challenge in ensuring urban stream health has been getting all the players involved in the community to move in the same direction. The aim is to improve the management of urban watersheds through the implementation of green infrastructure policies and practices,” wrote Deborah Carlson.
“What has been lacking is this – written information on green infrastructure from the perspective of elected officials, for elected officials,” said Kim Stephens.
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.
“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.
“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.
