CHRONICLE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PERIOD FROM 1997 THRU 2005: “Local governments have now been unequivocally called on by senior governments and the public to protect fish habitat. Increased effort will be necessary to more effectively engage the full and effective use of local government planning programs.” – Erik Karlsen, 2001, from the foreword to “Overcoming Institutional Barriers: From Planning to Implementation”“
Note to Reader:
Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. Stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective, and the Story Behind the Story.
The edition published on October 28, 2025 featured the third installment of the Chronicle of Green Infrastructure Innovation in Metro Vancouver. Part C covers the period 1997 through 2005. It tells the story of what led up to publication of Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia in 2002, and the impact of what followed in the wake of publication.
Ninety-eight pages long, Part C is a sweeping narrative weaves quotable quote to bring to life an era. It is included as an attachment to of Living Water Smart in British Columbia: Leaps of faith and calculated risks – convening for action in Metro Vancouver.
A NECESSARY OUTCOME: Integration of planning, environmental and engineering perspectives
“Regional livability is the context. Urban drainage is the tip of the spear for sustainable development. The latter is achieved by designing with nature. This is the reason why integration of planning, environmental and environmental perspectives was front-and-centre during the crucible period for green infrastructure innovation. It was necessary to demonstrate what success looks like on the ground where it matters,” wrote Kim Stephens, author of the Green Infrastructure Chronicle and Executive Director with the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.
A CHALLENGE: Overcoming institutional barriers
“Fundamental change in the scope of rainwater and stormwater planning, development standards, construction and operations will only happen if there is a broad understanding as to why the changes are needed, what they are, and how they can be practically implemented,” explained Erik Karlsen.
“Publicly-supported decision-makers will determine the timing and phasing of change. The ability of consumers and the development community to adapt will then set the pace of change, which will not take place with a single event.”
“Success in one area will be transferred to others. As the full benefits of these changes will be realized decades from now, continuation with status quo practices will only result in more lost opportunities; therefore, we must continue the changes if we want to realize a vision for healthier watersheds.”
Origin and evolution of the term of “Integrated Stormwater Management” in British Columbia
The Four case studies represent the evolution of an integrated approach in British Columbia. The following excerpt is extracted from page 1-13 of Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia:
“The term Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) describes a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach to stormwater planning.”
“The purpose of an ISMP is to provide a clear picture of how to be proactive in applying land use planning tools to protect property from flooding; and protect aquatic habitat from erosion and sedimentation.”
“Use of the ISMP term is unique to BC…to make a clear distinction between suburban watershed management and the Province’s existing process for natural resource management in wilderness watersheds. This is an important distinction.”
Note: table reproduced from Chapter 1 of Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia, 2002
To Learn More:
Waterbucket eNews stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective and Context for Busy Reader, and the Story Behind the Story. To read the complete 3-part storyline, download a PDF copy of Living Water Smart in British Columbia: Leaps of faith and calculated risks – convening for action in Metro Vancouver.
DOWNLOAD A COPY: https://waterbucket.ca/wcp/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/10/PWSBC_Living-Water-Smart_Leaps-of-Faith-and-Calculated-Risks-Part-C_2025.pdf