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Cathedral thinking aptly describes the philosophy that guides the work of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. “Cathedral Thinking is so simple for people to understand. You can actually explain it in about 45 seconds, and people nod, ‘Oh yeah. If I was designing a cathedral, it was going to take 50 years to build. I wouldn’t be around so I need to have a design that somebody else can finish, and that somebody else after them has to be able to finish it. I get it. Done’,” said Rick Antonson.

“Shelly Creek is a tributary of the Englishman River, a major watershed system on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Shelly Creek is important to salmonids, and this is why it is necessary to understand what is causing the Shelly Creek stream channel to fill with sediment, as well as what can be done to ensure fish survival over time,” stated Peter Law. “In 1999 the Englishman River was first declared to be one of the most endangered rivers in BC.”

“This Watershed Case Profile celebrates the ‘good work’ done by the Township of Langley. By showcasing and sharing the ‘story behind the story’ of green infrastructure innovation, our hope is that other communities will learn from Township experience,” wrote Kim Stephens. “Design with nature…a whole-system approach…learn by doing and adapt. These three phrases capture the essence of how the Township builds neighbourhoods.”

“The Blue Ecology Workshop encourages you to look at water differently; to look at each other differently – in a new way.” states Fin Donnelly. “Seize the opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and learn from one another’s perspectives! In my judgment, the Blue Ecology Workshop has the potential to be a transformational event – especially if water professionals who participate see value in working with others.”

The stewardship ethic for creating liveable neighbourhoods in Langley is shaped by ‘cathedral thinking’ and a shared commitment by elected representatives, staff and community to long-term implementation. “There are many staff members that have made this happen,” stated Mayor Jack Froese. “Council makes policy and we approve policies. And then it is our wonderful staff that carry out the policies.”

“The Township is a community of 113,000 of which 75% of the land area is within the Agricultural Land Reserve,” stated Councillor Charlie Fox. “This presents a delicate balance between the preservation of agricultural land and the continued pressure for urban development. It is within this context that the staff and Council champion the theme of harmony and integration as we endeavour to focus on ‘green’ initiatives and programs.”

“When the previous General Manager of Engineering retired in 2011, our Chief Administrative Officer listened when I presented the case for doing both jobs – Engineering and Community Development,” stated Ramin Seifi. “The Township needed more integration to respond to the demands on infrastructure and the risks to the environment resulting from rapid population growth. Achieving integration depended on the Township having a better structure.”

“As municipalities, we are the focal point. We have to show leadership on-the-ground if our society is to achieve sustainability. In Langley, we believe there is a sea-change about to happen. The community is ready for green infrastructure,” stated Colin Wright in 2007. “When people ask what do I do, my answer is that I build cities. To do that, and do it well, we have to be in harmony with nature. This also applies to our corporate philosophy.”

“Integration leads to efficiencies,” stated Stephen Richardson. “The purpose in having the three groups within one section is to integrate the pieces of any development proposal. So, in terms of the three professional disciplines represented by the departments, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This synergy allows us to catch the pieces that might otherwise be missed.”

The phrase ‘Convening for Action’ means use what we have learned so that we can take action and make a difference in our professional lives to change the way we develop land. “The essence of the adaptive approach is to ‘learn by doing’ and to change direction when there is a better way,” explained Kim Stephens. “The Township has done that, and has gone full circle a number of times in adapting green infrastructure innovation in successive neighbourhoods.”