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“It is important for each generation to learn to look back to see ahead so that they can turn rather than reinvent the wheel. At the same time, I think the Mars Rover is an appropriate analogy to describe how things work in local government. If it flips over, and we are not there to right size it…well, all is lost. Wheels are good to go in one direction. You need a steering wheel. But you need something different to change direction. Direction is going to be changed as you move forward. You have to at least recognize that reality so that you can adapt to it,” stated Pete Steblin.

“Now how do we become educated? What are we bringing to the table that is going to help make good decisions? Politicians know how to get elected. But do they know all that other stuff that they need to know? Today, the people getting elected know how to use social media to get people to vote for them. But do they know and care about what matters in local government? To ask the tough questions, you must be informed and educated about what matters,” stated Darrell Mussatto.

In the 1990s, there was trouble in paradise. In response, the provincial government launched the Georgia Basin Initiative. It was all hands on deck and catalyst for the green infrastructure movement. “Knowing what we know, you have to build new political commitment and basically start all over again in a new crucible phase…where you coalition-build to develop a new shared vision, etc. The task at hand is about how to redefine things in a new political environment so you would be able to get a new vision and new political commitment,” stated Ray Fung.