“Looking into the future, collaboratively developed Water Sustainability Plans can integrate water and land use planning and can be combined with other local, regional or provincial planning processes to address water-related issues. “The scale and scope of each plan – and the process used to develop it – would be unique, and would reflect the needs and interests of the watersheds affected,” states Jennifer Vigano.
“Beyond the Guidebook supports and/or complements other provincial initiatives, notably: Living Water Smart and the Green Communities Project. Collectively, these initiatives establish expectations that, in turn, will influence the form and function of the built environment in general and green infrastructure on the ground in particular,” wrote Glen Brown.
“Decisions related to urban and rural land development in this province are shared by many; therefore, this document is intended to support and encourage good decision making by all those involved in land development in British Columbia. Develop with Care emphasizes the use of the Water Balance Model to achieve desired rainwater management outcomes”, stated Peter Law.
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 BC Wildlife Federation, an active member of the Wetlands Stewardship Partnership, has brought together a team of well-known experts to share their knowledge and experience. “Local governments have extensive authority to keep wetlands wet and functioning as integral parts of regional ecosystems. Through land use and regulatory power local governments can protect, restore and enhance wetland health as a key piece of the green infrastructure map,” states Deborah Curran.
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.
