CHRONICLE OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PERIOD FROM 1997 THRU 2005: An introduction to seven Tier One Champions, who were influencers in a profound and public way for implementing an Ecosystem-Based Approach to regional livability in southwest British Columbia
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.
The following extract is from Section 3 of Part C and is the 1st in a set of 8 extracts. Section 3 is titled Tier One Champions for implementing an Ecosystem-Based Approach.
3. TIER ONE CHAMPIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN ECOSYSTEM-BASED APPROACH: It Was a Movement
“The cast of players during the period 1997 through 2005 was large indeed. There was passion, there was commitment, and most of all there was a can-do attitude. It was a movement,” wrote Kim Stephens, author of the Green Infrastructure Chronicle and Executive Director with the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.
“Drawing on my firsthand knowledge and experience in working closely with so many during this period, I hope it is helpful to the reader to view the roster of players in term of three tiers of champions. Keep in mind that my perspective is the convening for action lens.”
Achievable Performance Targets
“In an insightful interview about his reflections on the period 1997 through 2005, Ed von Euw shared a story about his and his wife’s master’s theses. His perspective provides context for the 7 stories that follow regarding Tier One champions.”
“Her thesis is a story and it gets read. Mine is an engineering report and it hasn’t been cracked since the day it was published. Stories carry the day! It is who we are as humans,” stated Ed von Euw.
Who are the Tier One Champions?
“Many individuals have played important roles in the green infrastructure movement. But whose efforts were make or break during the crucible period? Seven individuals stand out for their ability to change the game. They are my Tier One champions,” continued Kim Stephens.
“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. That expression captures the collective contribution of the group of seven. Their individual orbits intersected, overlapped and aligned in ways that powered a movement that was inspired by the greater good.”
“There was a salmon crisis in the 1990s. The consequences of rapid urbanization around the Georgia Basin (as well as Puget Sound) were readily observable. Action was urgently needed to tackle the threats to the livability and sustainability of the Georgia Basin region.”
Capsule introductions to the group of seven
“Each rose to the moment in ways that were complementary. They provided leadership within their individual spheres of influence. When the smoke cleared, the collective impact of their contributions was transformational,” emphasized Kim Stephens.
“Bill Derry’s vision and leadership within Washington State local government made it possible for Richard Horner and Chris May to lead the seminal research that became the springboard for effective action.”
“Erik Karlsen was our éminence grise throughout this period. He radiated knowledge, credibility and wisdom. He was a master at identifying talent, connecting people, and orchestrating outcomes.”
“Patrick Condon was the region’s original “Mr. Sustainability” par excellence. And he had a platform as the James Taylor Chair in Landscape and Liveable Environments at the University of BC.”
“Tim Pringle was the co-funder who provided the workaround that made it possible for Patrick Condon, Erik Karlsen and the City of Surrey to get the East Clayton Sustainable Community off the ground in 1998.”
“Barry Janyk, who was then mayor of Gibsons, was the political champion who infused the SmartStorm Forum Series with his passion. He carried the green infrastructure torch to UBCM.”
“Michael Geller, through sheer force of personality, took the vision for a sustainable community at Simon Fraser University atop Burnaby Mountain and created UniverCity.”
“Ted van der Gulik is a member of the British Columbia Public Service Hall of Excellence for his multiple career accomplishments, including his leadership of the Water Balance Model Partnership.”
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.
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