“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.
“It’s important now that we realize that water policy and eff ective improvement of the way we manage water is not merely a government strategy anymore— it has to be a broader societal commitment which includes the average citizen who has an interest in what’s happening in his or her watershed,” says Bob Sandford.
“So many in local government are searching for the magical ‘silver bullet’to resolve watershed issues and challenges. Yet soil, vegetation and trees can do more for our watersheds than decades of planning, consulting and complicated engineering design will ever achieve,” states Richard Boase.
“We have incorporated a session about Beyond the Guidebook 2010 because it demonstrates what can be accomplished when one implements a culture change. Beyond the Guidebook 2010 is the story of doing business differently in the local government setting, and connecting with the community,” states Pia Nagpal.
“The Beyond the Guidebook initiative initiated a course correction that will help local governments and the development community establish what level of rainwater runoff volume reduction makes sense. The objective of protecting stream health is broader than how much volume one can infiltrate on a particular development,” stated Corino Salomi.
“What has been lacking is this – written information on green infrastructure from the perspective of elected officials, for elected officials,” said Kim Stephens.
Through its Official Community Plan Update, the District is advancing a vision for restoring the rainfall absorption capacity of our watersheds, one property at a time, over time. “To draw attention to the urgent need for action on single-family residential properties, we have created a set of images to illustrate why and how watershed health is at risk,” stated Richard Boase.
“It is essential that we continue to promote the efficient use of water and provincial environment policy that would protect the very important watersheds that are under constant pressure for other uses,” stated Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
“Beyond the Guidebook 2010 is the story of what has been accomplished on the ground since 2004, through partnerships and collaboration. It speaks to the convention theme, Forging Gold Medal Standards, because 2010 is a year that will not soon be forgotten in British Columbia. This is the perfect time to capitalize on forward momentum in our communities,” stated Kim Stephens.
“The purpose in publishing the ISMP Course Correction Series is to draw attention to lessons learned and insights gained by those local government leaders who have ISMP and related experience. The sharing of experience will help stretch limited resources so that local governments can ‘do more with less’ in applying and benefitting from a ‘regional team approach’,” stated Tim Pringle.
