BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK 2015: Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management” (released Nov 2015)
To download a copy, click on:
https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf
Beyond the Guidebook &
Rainwater Management
Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is the third in a series of guidance documents that build on Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia, released by the Province in 2002. By applying the Water Balance Methodology, the Guidebook vision is that community development activities and further alteration of the built environment would result in cumulative benefits, not impacts.
The Guidebook is the provincial foundation for the rainwater component of Liquid Waste Management Plans, a regulatory tool. It is complemented by the ‘Beyond the Guidebook Report Series’, the ‘Beyond the Guidebook Primer Series’ and the ‘Watershed Case Profile Series’.
Provincial Guidance
In February 2009, the Ministry of Community Development issued a Circular to all local governments. The Circular drew their attention to the purpose of the Beyond the Guidebook initiative, launched in 2007. Later, the Ministry of Environment’s Interim Guidelines for Preparing Liquid Waste Management Plans (July 2011) reinforced the foundational function of the 2002 Guidebook.
To Learn More:
Click on Interim Guidelines for Preparing Liquid Waste Management Plans (July 2011)
Towards ‘Restorative Development’
Structured in four parts, ‘Beyond the Guidebook 2015’ meets the information needs of different audiences. Local government case study experience provides guidance for a collaborative approach to developing integrated solutions that are effective and affordable, create a legacy, and achieve three cascading objectives:
- Watershed Health: Protect and/or restore hydrologic integrity
- Resilient Rainwater Management: Mimic the natural water balance
- Sustainable Service Delivery: Integrate natural systems thinking and adaptation to a changing climate into asset management
A unifying theme is that, by designing with nature in going forward, it is possible to turn the clock back. This is known as restorative development. It will take time, patience and perseverance to influence the form and function of the Built Environment, replicate a desired watershed condition, and shift the ecological baseline upwards.
To Learn More:
To download a copy of Beyond the Guidebook 2015, click on this link: https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf
