“An interesting aspect of Coquitlam’s story is that it demonstrates, on a local level, how attitudes and approaches in the Metro Vancouver region have evolved with watershed management and the recognition of rainwater as a resource,” reports Melony Burton.
“Embracing Seasonal Rainwater is designed to see how much of the peak storm flow we can attenuate during rain events in an effort to provide a low-cost increase in system capacity while engaging residents in their role in the urban water cycle. It also has the potential for reducing potable water use for irrigation in the summer months,” states Carolyn Drugge.
“Elementary students mainly from Mount Pleasant have learned about streams, created related art projects and a community parade. The St. George Rainway project is meant to be a community-building project as much as it is an engineering project,” explained Shahira Sakiyama.
“It is important to use descriptions which are linked more closely with the objectives and ideas. Ideally, the right choice of wording will frame the concepts clearly, and provide the terminology with some longevity. Clarity will help with uptake – jargon and anachronism needs to be avoided as they can obscure the objectives and ideas,” states Robert Hicks.
“The Opportunities Assessment by the District is founded on streamkeeper knowledge. Now we can work with the District to inform the broader community. We can open eyes and minds. We can open doors so that together we can make the changes necessary to achieve the vision for the Watershed Blueprint,” states ZoAnn Morten.
“Rainwater is a key feature of everything that is proposed. We have been guided by this principle: how will the Town Centre Draft Implementation Plan do its part to improve the overall health of the entire Hastings Creek watershed system?”, states Karen Rendek.
“We always look for ways to do a better job, apply technology effectively and efficiently, and save the District money. This is the philosophy that we have brought to the Hastings Creek Blueprint. Our watershed-based approach captures the stewardship ethic which is deeply rooted in the North Vancouver community,” states Richard Boase.
“To see salmon return to Still Creek after so many decades has been incredibly exciting, especially given that just a few decades ago, this stream was widely viewed as one of Canada’s most polluted waterways. Quite simply, the events that have unfolded on Still Creek highlight the fact that we should never give up on any river,” states Mark Angelo.
Louise Towell is a founder of the award-winning Stream of Dreams Murals Society that delivers a watershed education and community art program nationwide. With her persistence and dedication, Louise forged a partnership among streamkeepers, various City of Burnaby departments, local schools, firefighters and developers.
“Thousands of dedicated streamkeepers across British Columbia put in tens of thousands of volunteer hours every year caring for local creeks, rivers and watersheds,” states states Paul Cipywnyk.
