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In the mid-1990s, the pioneer work of Dr. Richard Horner and Dr. Chris May resulted in a hydrology-based framework for protecting watershed health. “So many studies manipulate a single variable out of context with the whole and its many additional variables,” states Dr. Richard Horner. “We, on the other hand, investigated whole systems in place, tying together measures of the landscape, stream habitat, and aquatic life.”

“When the watershed goal is protection of aquatic resources, two decades ago Richard Horner and Chris May proved that it is necessary to first mitigate ‘changes in hydrology’ – that is, changes in how rainwater reaches streams. The Water Balance Methodology addresses flow path differences, and leads to solutions that would maintain watershed health,” states Richard Boase.

A goal was to advance implementation of an integrated and balanced approach to land use. “To change the way people think and do, we defined smart development as protecting property and sustaining natural systems in a cost-effective manner. We made it clear that RAINwater management is at the heart of smart development,” stated Barry Janyk, Mayor of the Town of Gibsons (1999-2011).

“The goal of the 2015 Leahy Environmental Summit is to inspire multi­-organizational, regional teams to produce or further develop specific projects, programs, and plans that engage an enthusiastic community to address social and structural resiliency for flooding and stormwater issues related to climate change. Given the energy in the room, it is clear that we achieved that goal,” stated Phelan Fretz.

“In terms of educational dollars per unit of knowledge, I found the Water Balance Model workshop to be astounding value,” reports Michelle Sorensen. “The graphical results allow me to communicate relevant information about the effectiveness of rainwater capture options.”

“The workshop was an opportunity for planning, engineering and other local government staff – especially managers and supervisors – to gain an understanding and appreciation of core concepts: lighten the ‘water footprint’, achieve more at less cost, adapt to climate change, and protect stream and watershed health! Representatives from ten local governments from four regions on the east coast of Vancouver Island attended,” reported John Finnie.

“It has been very interesting seeing the different approaches that the five regional governments are taking towards monitoring and assessing the health of our watersheds,” comments Jody Watson. “Through this series of inter-regional gatherings, we have shared our successes and challenges in evaluating watershed health, learned valuable lessons from each other, and have made fantastic contacts with like-minded people doing similar work in other regions.”

“CRD hosted the workshop because it informs and supports the goals of the region’s Integrated Watershed Management Implementation Strategy. Local governments have many competing priorities and everyone is challenged to achieve more with the same resources in order to reduce risk, improve watershed health and comply with regulatory requirements,” stated Dale Green.

“The Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative is designed to help local government champions integrate natural systems thinking and adaptation to a changing climate into asset management. A desired outcome is healthy streams and watersheds. So, implement ‘Design With Nature’ standards of practice for development and infrastructure servicing. Protect and restore stream corridors and fish habitat,” stated Peter Law.

“I get property owners almost every day with questions, queries, comments. – I can quickly go into Geoweb and bring that property up right away and not only take a look at the property, but I can take a look at the details. I use it daily. I don’t even think about it. It’s like email, I’m into Geoweb virtually every day,” reports Mayor Richard Walton.