“It is significant that we have reached a critical mass in terms of the number of engineering consultants who have become Water Balance Model paying subscribers. Clearly, they see a value in the tool,” states Ted van der Gulik.
“The Water Balance Model is a decision support tool that supports an outcome-oriented approach. A key recommendation in the From Rain to Resource Report is to incorporate the Water Balance Model into planning,” states Kim Stephens.
Monthly status reports document how the capabilities of the Water Balance Model are being systematically implemented to expand the decision support capabilities.
“The Water Balance Model was developed as an extension of Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia. The Guidebook applied a science-based understanding, developed the water balance methodology to establish performance targets, and demonstrated that urban watershed restoration could be accomplished over a 50-year timeframe as communities redevelop,” recalls Peter Law.
“It is our land ethic that ultimately will determine whether we achieve water sustainability. If BC's communities make it a priority to respect the land, and if they are guided by a 'design with nature' philosophy, then over time they will reduce their 'water footprint' and achieve water sustainability.” states Tim Pringle.
“The WBM Express will open the door to all kinds of educational opportunities. It will be a resource for developers and others to help the public understand the effect of their choices and decisions on the natural environment. It could be incorporated into the curricula for high school and post-secondary institutions,” states Carie Baron.
“A key feature of planned development at Burke Mountain is a low impact, ‘natural systems approach’ to stormwater management,” stated Don Moore in 2004. “To support this objective, Wesbild has developed a manual that will serve as both a policy statement and a practical guide. Our goal is to integrate practical strategies to naturally balance rainwater volume and reduce runoff from our developed land.”
“It is an infill and redevelopment challenge. Developers keep hitting the wall with the requirement that they detain 'their' rainwater on their parcels. Larger, cooperative areas could be created, but with existing development it is difficult to reach an agreement of shared improvements,” states John Hooker.
“Students have been given a project to develop a rainwater management plan for the BCIT Burnaby campus, with the goal of utilizing rainwater as a beneficial resource. More emphasis on natural landscapes featuring better use of soils and vegetation can help improve watershed health,” states Colleen Chan.
“It gives us much more administrative authority to govern incentives and provide different rates for better services. So if people use a lot they’re going to pay more. If someone puts in some sustainable systems and actually reduce that significantly, as we’ve done on Dockside Green, then we can give them a lower utility rate,” said Kim Fowler.
