Convening for Action in British Columbia

“Inter-regional sharing, collaboration, alignment and consistency will accelerate effective implementation of watershed protection objectives within each regional district. The regions are linked by common interests, but are not dependent on each other,” stated Comox Valley Board Chair Edwin Grieve.

“By examining all actions in the context of the watershed, we can move toward a governance system that is rooted in ecological principles, and shift the focus towards managing the people within a watershed, rather than controlling the watershed itself,” states Oliver Brandes.

‘Beyond the Guidebook 2010’ describes how water sustainability can and will be achieved through implementation of green infrastructure policies and practices. Getting there relies on a change in mind-set. “Most people really want to do their part to improve the environment but generally are at a loss for how to proceed. The Guidebook provides a simple and easy-to-grasp road map. We can accomplish much if we adopt some of the splendid suggestions regarding urban watershed protection in the Guidebook,” states Dr. Bernard Bauer.

“If we are to control our destiny and create our future, then we need to challenge our fellow Vancouver Islanders to visualize what they want Vancouver Island to look like in 50 years. We wish to influence Vancouver Island local governments to adopt Design with Nature as the preferred process of approving land development applications,” states John Finnie, CAVI Past-Chair.

“More than a decade into the 21st century, the idea of collaborative watershed management has come of age, and watershed groups across the province are eager to participate. It is all about learning to think like a watershed. That is our vision,” emphasizes Oliver Brandes.

“Asset Management BC supports the development of a local government asset management strategy for the province. To this end, Partnerships serve us all well. Asset Management is about integration of disciplines and co-operation among all parties. We all benefit from sharing of knowledge and information,” states Wally Wells.

“Our shared vision for Green Communities is the right development in the right place at the right time. We can achieve this vision if development is guided by a ‘design with nature’ philosophy: start with green infrastructure and truly restore the urban fabric,” states Glen Brown.

“The legislative authority for integration of land use planning and asset management, including financial management, already exists. Local governments can develop a truly integrated Asset Management Strategy that views the watershed though an environmental lens,” states Glen Brown. “Start with effective green infrastructure and protect environmental values. Get the watershed vision right. Then create a blueprint to implement green infrastructure.”

“Re-building the front-end in conjunction with the platform conversion will allow users to select an environment that fits their knowledge and needs. Three launch points will facilitate establishing and integrating performance targets at three scales, namely: watershed, neighbourhood and site,” stated Ted van der Gulik.

“In 2001, it was Patrick Condon of UBC who said: ‘If we fail, it will be a generation before anyone will even have the opportunity to try again; so we must not fail’. Well, we did not fail. And because we succeeded with East Clayton and UniverCity, those hard-fought successes have ultimately made it possible to change land development practices to capture rain where it falls.”