Leading Change in Metro Vancouver: New Directions in Urban Watershed Health
Richard Boase provided Local Government Perspective at UBC Conference
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is leading a national initiative that is intended to create a network of experts that collaborate and share their experiences. Funded by the Canadian Water Network, the kick-off event was held at UBC from June 20 through 22 and comprised a pre-conference workshop, conference and field tour.
Make Better Decisions
In addition to helping co-ordinate the field tour on Day Three, Richard Boase of the District of North Vancouver made a defining presentation on the conference Day Two.
Titled New Directions in Urban Watershed Health, this presentation provided conference attendees with an overview of how the Water Balance Model enables local governments and the land development community to make better decisions.
Drawing on the District of North Vancouver’s GIS resources, Richard Boase was able to identify representative properties from different eras – 50 years ago and today – to underscore how the contemporary approach to site development results in dramatically greater volumes of surface runoff.
“A key message is that we were doing better 50 years ago when we did not even think about the need for rainwater capture,” observed Boase. For the complete story on this case study comparison, click on Water Balance Model insights inform New Zealand delegation.
Richard Boase then provided examples from his municipality, the City of North Vancouver, the City of Courtenay, and the City of Chilliwack to illustrate how changes in standard practices are currently being implemented throughout British Columbia. “Another key message is that we can achieve cumulative benefits one site at a time by implementing design with nature infrastructure regulations and practices,” stated Boase.
To Learn More:
The UBC event will be followed by an event in Calgary later in 2007, with the third event to be held in Toronto in early 2008. To learn more about the UBC conference program, click on Canadian Water Network Launches Pan-Canadian Initiative at University of British Columbia Conference
Back yard rainwater infiltration system as constructed by Richard Boase to retain garage roof drainage on-property
Posted July 2007