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Develop with Care 2014 is a tool to engage with local governments, planners, developers and others involved in land use about the provincial mandate and issues. “Develop with Care 2014 incorporates the integration piece that now makes the direct connection to the Built Environment and the local government mandate. A focus on the Built Environment provides an opportunity to look at environmental protection from perspective of land use, and get out in front of issues,” stated Helene Roberge.

“Green stormwater infrastructure is a valuable tool for us, because it helps us prevent stormwater pollution and greens our neighborhoods at the same time. This win-win combination is critically important,” stated Mayor Edward Murray. He announced a set of strategies and planned investments for accelerating the adoption of Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Seattle.

“Green infrastructure and better land-use planning not only mitigate excess stormwater effects, but can also bring considerable environmental, social and economic benefits. We also know that it is equally important to promote local community engagement in the adoption of innovative, practical and environmentally sustainable solutions through better public education and participation on the issue,” stated Gustavo Alanís-Ortega, JPAC Chair.

In April 2015, Senator Tom Udall and Representative Donna Edwards reintroduced legislation to provide critical support for innovative stormwater strategies in the United States, improving the ability of communities to effectively manage polluted runoff and sewage overflows while relieving pressure on aging infrastructure.

“A province-wide, made in BC, asset management strategy that goes beyond the requirements of the Gas Tax Asset Management Framework, is beneficial for all local governments, as well as other organizations. The BC Framework released in December 2014 provides a high level overview of what is needed to develop, implement and maintain strong asset management practices for local governments,” states Liam Edwards.

The City has an ambitious goal to convert 9,500 impervious acres to “green cities” that capture and manage the first one inch of rainwater runoff. “This grant program is a win–win for the water department and for our business customers. By working with customers who can manage stormwater from many acres of hard surfaces, we can transform pockets of our combined sewer areas into green acres in a cost-effective way,” stated Howard Neukrug.

“Soil depth is a primary water management tool for use by local government to adapt to a changing climate. A well-designed landscape with healthy topsoil helps communities through both wet and dry times. Soil is a sponge. It holds and slowly releases rainwater. This can limit runoff during rainy weather; and reduce irrigation water need during dry weather. In the City of Surrey, we specify a minimum soil depth of 300 mm,” states David Hislop.

Provincial programs provide direction as to where the Province wants to go with Living Water Smart and the Green Communities Initiative. “At the end of the day, planners and engineers and other disciplines must come together to determine the issues and solutions. No statute will help them do that. Living Water Smart is about motivating and inspiring everyone to embrace shared responsibility,” stated Lynn Kriwoken.

“It helps to look back to understand how we got to here. In 2000, DFO released Urban Stormwater Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. By 2007, however, we had concerns about how the document was being interpreted and applied. ‘Beyond the Guidebook 2007’ represented the initial course correction,” stated Corinio Salomi.

Imagine a city without rainspouts. Picture streets that absorb rain as it falls. “It matters a great deal. It matters because so much of how we define ourselves rests on our association with the ocean. We must protect our ocean. It defines us, it supports us, it distinguishes us from other communities,” stated Bill Harris.