“Because Sooke is a small municipality with limited financial resources, we have had to pare down and make the plans practical in order to be affordable. Again, networking and collaboration are making it possible for us to do this effectively,” states Laura Byrne.
In a presentation to regional politicians, Paddy O’Reilly stressed the need to clean the region’s beaches and work with natural water cycles; and asked the Capital Regional District (CRD) to implement fundamental changes in how the region deals with rainwater and stormwater runoff. brought forward a series of recommendations to the Joint Meeting hosted by the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee with the Environmental Sustainability Committee.
“Area farmers, local interest groups, and government agencies all worked together to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses ecological, social, cultural, agricultural and engineering issues in an inclusive manner,” stated Councillor Terry Siklenka.
“This comprehensive plan is the result of the collaborative effort of numerous stakeholders, including area farmers, local interest groups and government agencies, together with District staff,” stated Mayor Jack Mar.
The District is promoting the use of innovative design approaches to restore rainwater runoff flows to near pre-development levels, report Nirmal Bhattacharya and Roland Rocheleau.
Gerry Giles – Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District
“The CVRD Board and Staff see our participation in this inter-governmental partnership as an excellent opportunity to advance the “design with nature” vision, goals and objectives of the Water Balance Model initiative throughout our region.”
“The 21st-century green city is possible. Instead of relying heavily on pipes and concrete, this new approach relies upon soil, trees and open space to naturally absorb, store, evaporate and filter rainwater,” says Calvin Sandborn.
“When undertaking infrastructure projects in the City of Victoria, we now ask ourselves what are the opportunities to do business differently so that there will be long-term benefits for the urban watershed,” says Steve Fifield.
Local government action and support are resulting in a continuous increase of the number of LID projects which mimic natural rainwater processes such as infiltration.
“Modern rainwater management looks at the dynamics of the entire watershed and identifies how development can use 'green infrastructure' to maintain natural systems and protect buildings. It works to restore the function of trees, soil and open space,” says Calvin Sandborn.
