Asset Management BC Newsletter (Summer 2015): “Local infrastructure is the foundation for communities,” states Gord Hume, author and former municipal Councillor
Note to Reader:
Asset Management BC is a Champion Supporter of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia. Similarly, the Partnership is a supporter of Asset Management BC. The feature story below is extracted from the Summer 2015 issue of the Asset Management BC Newsletter. To download a copy of the latest issue (Summer 2015), click here.
The Champion Supporter designation allows the Partnership to formally recognize agencies and organizations that provide substantial financial and/or in-kind support that in turn enables the Partnership to develop tools and deliver programs under the umbrella of the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia. Asset Management BC has provided frequent opportunities for the Partnership to “tell the Action Plan story” in the Asset Management BC Newsletter.
Opinion Piece: Local Infrastructure – the Foundation for our Communities
“Our towns and cities today aspire to be successful, prosperous and deliver a great quality of life to local residents. Local infrastructure is the foundation of the health, well-
being and economic prosperity of communities across Canada. When cities and towns talk about economic development and building wonderful neighbourhoods, it all begins with basic infrastructure,” stated Gord Hume in his keynote address to the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) conference in Vancouver in May 2015.
Gord Hume is…
Gord Hume is recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices on municipal government, sustainable urban development, cultural planning, and creative cities. He is a very popular public speaker, an advisor to municipal governments and a respected and often provocative author. He is an articulate and thoughtful commentator on civic government and community issues. He was elected to London City (Ontario) Council four times.
Gord Hume’s 5th book, “Places and Spaces” was published in 2014. It is a compelling look at the public realm, the importance of great urban design and development, how the decisions of a municipality influence local prosperity and community health, and whether municipalities roll out the Red Carpet or the Red Tape.
Changing Role of Asset Managers
In his keynote address, Gord Hume focused on what he sees as an emerging role for assets managers across Canada—and that is to also consider design elements in the planning of municipal assets.
“Increasingly, I think that you, as the leading asset managers in Canada, will have a greater role to play as cities design and re-build their infrastructure. From public transit to social housing, from how we use our streets and sidewalks, it is not just a numbers game on a spreadsheet. This is why it is urgent for you to understand the importance and the changing role of urban design, and the public realm, and how people use it.”
To Learn More:
To download a PDF copy and read the complete article in the Summer 2015 issue, click on Asset Management BC Newsletter – Issue No. 14 (July 2015)
