Convening for Action in British Columbia

“The Primer introduces the issue of the ‘unfunded infrastructure liability’. Viewing the watershed through an asset management lens provides local governments with a driver to require that development practices mimic the Water Balance,” states Craig Wightman.

“What was a dream in 2002, when the Province released ‘Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for BC’, may now in fact be achievable. We have the tools and experience to ‘design with nature’ in order to soften the ‘water footprint’ of development. Watershed restoration is within our grasp,” stated Peter Law.

“For storm sewer systems, the process of establishing an acceptable ‘Level-of-Service’ will require local governments to review, examine, and justify the existing standards and how to transition into the future where costs must be balanced against public needs and expectations,” states Jim Dumont.

“The rebuilt scenario comparison tool is tailored to multiple levels of users who have a wide range of technical backgrounds, from hydrology experts to stewardship groups. The model now has launch buttons at three scales of investigation,” reports Richard Boase.

“We define conservation quite broadly, to include more than just conserving energy or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our long-term goal is build connections between and within communities that result in advancing existing and creating new community-based commitments to actions that support the creation of a conservation culture, and ultimately, conservation itself,” stated Pia Nagpal. “The Conservation Community of Practice, supported by BC Hydro, was created in 2010 to bring together like minded conservation champions across BC to collaborate and share best practices.”

“The inter-regional program will link activities so that everyone can share experiences, benefit from lessons learned, and align efforts with the Living Water Smart and Green Communities initiatives. Collaboration, alignment and consistency in application will create opportunities for everyone to be more effective,” states Kim Stephens. “Each region has developed a provincially significant plan or approach to achieve water and watershed sustainability. All are striving to implement a consistent regional approach that protects and/or restores natural watershed function over time.”

“For the past twenty years, the City of Dawson Creek has taken upon itself to better understand and manage its source water supply. Its experience may be of value to other communities – both urban, rural and First Nations – around the province that have yet to prepare a Surface Water Protection Plan,” states Reg Whiten.

“Creating a lasting legacy requires sustained commitment to make things happen. The Penticton Forum was not the be-all and end-all; rather, it was an important milestone in advancing a regional team approach that aligns local actions with provincial goals for the common good,” recalls Kim Stephens.

“Fresh water is one of the most precious natural resources we have. While the B.C. government continues to act on ‘Living Water Smart’ – which is our vision and plan for keeping our water healthy and secure for the future – what the Province does is only part of the solution. Local and regional groups like the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council are stepping up and demonstrating leadership throughout the province,” stated Environment Minister Terry Lake.

“In reflecting on this excellence in water stewardship award it is humbling to reflect on the dedication and passion of the individuals and organizations who demonstrate commitment, leadership and build trust as we tackle some of the complex contemporary challenges that are involved in providing clean, safe drinking water; protecting the aquatic ecosystem; and reducing conflict between those who depend on water for growing crops, enabling tourism opportunities and supporting their families livelihood throughout the Okanagan,” stated Nelson Jatel.