“In the latter part of my career, I have been part of a great team that has looked at rainfall differently and shares a vision for what the Bowker Creek watershed can be again. The ‘blueprint for action’ is a perfect example of working with others to improve watershed health long-term, and I am proud to have been part of creating it,” states Steve Fifield.
Bowker Creek restoration is being undertaken in conjunction with replacement of the existing Oak Bay High with a new school, Neighbourhood Learning Centre and new sports fields. “It’s a watershed moment, because it connects the future to all the work that was done in the past,” states Soren Henrich.
“Sooke is proud of its natural environment. And as the first community in British Columbia to integrate both rainwater and sanitary in a liquid waste management plan, we now have the tools to protect the watersheds and the Sooke Harbour and Basin for future generations,” states Mayor Janet Evans.
“This plan provides clear guidance for the next 10 years with every aspect of rainwater and sanitary sewer management: monitoring, management, watershed stewardship groups, policy and guidelines,” stated Laura Byrne
“It gives us much more administrative authority to govern incentives and provide different rates for better services. So if people use a lot they’re going to pay more. If someone puts in some sustainable systems and actually reduce that significantly, as we’ve done on Dockside Green, then we can give them a lower utility rate,” said Kim Fowler.
VICT is a grassroots coordinating team with representation from various jurisdictions and disciplines across Vancouver Island. Beyond building partnerships and strengthening local sustainability initiatives, VICT’s goal is to build local capacity for change.
“Our Ministries decided to align our efforts and collaborate with DFO because we believe this will enable us to be collectively more effective in achieving desirable rainwater management outcomes,” stated Jay Bradley.
Jay Bradley (120p)
A big part of what Convening for Action does is to create forums for dialogue, and to build collaborative partnerships towards a 50 year vision for Vancouver Island.
“The City required that post-development rainwater flows leaving the site were equal to or less than the pre-development flows. For this property that was effectively zero. Home Depot established a BC precedent when it implemented a deep deep-well system for injecting rainwater runoff into the underlying aquifer,” stated Kevin Lagan.
“The completion of the road will also include landscaped boulevards and parking bays to enhance the road’s appearance and to accommodate residents’ desire for on-street parking. The implementation of rain gardens continues to support the District’s goal of developing a sustainable community,” stated Mayor Frank Leonard.
