“This one day workshop will provide information on how with the right controls in place, harvested rainwater can be used for irrigation, outdoor cleaning, flushing toilets, washing clothes and even drinking water. In conjunction with the workshop, we will also be holding a mini-tradeshow,” states Mike Tanner
“The educational approach is helping us to identify and empower a core group of local champions who will then have the expertise to apply and advance the water balance approach to land development,” stated Peter Nilsen.
“Living Water Smart provides a framework and sets a direction. The purpose in convening for action is to establish consistent expectations on-the-ground: This is what we want to achieve, and this is how we will get there. Our immediate objective in convening for action is to encourage ‘green choices’ that will ripple through time,” stated Kim Stephens.
“In 2013, the IREI is moving from ‘proof of approach’ on Vancouver Island to full-scale implementation, including Metro Vancouver and beyond. Inter-regional collaboration will help leverage more with the same resources. Everyone will be able to better deliver on regulatory objectives and compliance,” states Derek Richmond.
“The Forum program was designed for local government, and was built around the ‘infrastructure liability’ theme. Fiscal constraints provide a driver for a change in the way local governments plan, finance, implement, and over time replace infrastructure,” reports John Finnie.
“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.
“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.
“Tim Pringle has invested countless hours, over more than 20 years, working with non-profit groups, universities, government agencies, and real estate industry members to increase understanding and improve relationships between people, and between sectors. Tim has been the catalyst in helping small housing societies get their projects off the ground; in connecting conservation and sustainable development interests; and in supporting research to help communities plan well for the future,” stated Jack Hall.
The Penticton Forum showcased how partnerships, collaboration, innovation and integration are helping local governments in three regions. “The Province’s Living Water Smart and Green Communities initiatives provide a framework and direction for convening for action in the Okanagan, on Vancouver Island and in Metro Vancouver. Each regional initiative is developing a vision and road map for achieving settlement in balance with ecology,” stated Glen Brown.
“Set the vision based upon community values, support the vision with information and education via the Water Bucket website, and apply web-based water management tools to make better decisions,” stated Kim Stephens.
