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 for watershed health, resilient rainwater management and sustainable service delivery,” states Peter Law.
Watershed Health, Rainwater Management and Sustainable Service Delivery are related priorities for communities on the east coast of Vancouver Island and in the Metro Vancouver region. “Inter-regional sharing, collaboration, alignment and consistency will accelerate effective implementation of watershed protection objectives within each regional district. The regions are linked by common interests, but are not dependent on each other,” stated Edwin Grieve, former Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District.
The Province has many different programs that provide local governments with guidance to achieve their community goals. “Develop with Care 2014, for example, brings together information and guidance from several provincial ministries. The document takes an integrative and collaborative approach so that the information and guidance is all in one place,” states Maggie Henigman, Ministry of Forests, Land and Natural Resource Operations.
According to Angus McAllister, pollster and researcher, water brings people together. “Through my polling research, I have learned that people are hardwired to water, at both the functional and emotional levels. It is no accident that we like to gather around water coolers and watering holes. Water brings people together. It is a natural starting point for any conversation about common interests, and by extension, our shared future,” he says.
Local governments are developing integrated solutions. “It is exciting to see local governments acting creatively to address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Good work in planning, service delivery and infrastructure development – that fits the unique context of individual communities – is contributing to making our communities not only more sustainable but also better places to live,” states Dale Wall.
