Convening for Action in British Columbia

“In recent years rainwater management practices have been developed that can make the 21st century Green City possible – a city that designs rainwater management in concert with natural systems, not at cross purposes,” states Calvin Sanborn.

“We will use this coming together of BC's local leaders to share and learn from each other's experiences, and gain ideas to move our own communities forward,” said Harry Nyce. “The spirit of collaboration and newfound bonds that we have fostered in 2010 are undeniably valuable. But without action, we cannot move our communities forward. This year’s Convention will offer an opportunity to…. take our goals, and forge them into tangible outcomes….and continue to build gold medal standard communities.”

“The City of Kelowna assisted with the rollout of the Guidebook and pre-launch of the WBM in Spring 2003 in communities such as Penticton and Prince George. The participation of the City’s Alan Newcombe (Drainage Manager) in our road show added credibility,” recalls Ted van der Gulik. “In 2005, the City of Kelowna (John Vos) was the catalyst for a series of events that broadened the reach of the WBM

“The partnership format provides a mechanism for diverse interests to come together, learn from each other, and develop complementary approaches to land use related challenges,” stated Bryn White. This was the first in a series of conversations between CITinfoResource and land use/conservation focussed non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

“A regional environmental planning table brings together planners and resource people to learn, identify priority issues and needs for support, and a forum from which to advance sustainable land use planning.” stated Bryn White. “A shared environmental planning contractor works within the communities to assist them in achieving their environmental planning objectives. In addition, there are other resource people and mentors that work to support that environmental planner.”

“The District of Summerland OCP example illustrates how a community can benefit from successful implementation of a ‘regional team approach’. The Real Estate Foundation is pleased to be a partner in this process,” observes,” stated Karin Kilpatrick. “The Summerland example demonstrates that the land ethic in the South Okanagan is changing for the better.”

“The bylaw recognizes that settlement change and ecology are equal values and they must be as much in balance as possible for the wellbeing of human and natural systems.” states Tom Szalay.

“The South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy provided the first opportunity to test the ‘convening for action’ approach. That experience has been adapted in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. The cross-fertilization process has now come full circle,” stated Tim Pringle.

“In 2005, the Action Plan partners launched a ‘made in BC’ process known as Convening for Action. When we gather, it is for a purpose. There must be an action item or an outcome,” stated Kim Stephens. “The partners envisioned a series of pilot programs and case studies, with outcomes synthesized as chapters in Water-Centric Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia.”

“The REFBC has had a longstanding interest and involvement in water sustainability. We have provided core funding for the Water Sustainability Action Plan since 2005. In addition to our funding role, we have played an active part in programs implemented under the Action Plan umbrella, notably Convening for Action on Vancouver Island. So, a logical next step for the Foundation was to establish a Water Sustainability Endowment Fund in support of non-profit initiatives related to water stewardship. The income generated from this fund will support non-profit activities in water sustainability in the province of BC. This endowment will support projects which demonstrate the values of the REFBC’s Land Award,”stated Karin Kirkpatrick.