The process of evolving current design practices for neighbourhoods, roadways, and the minor/major drainage system to manage the total volume – in addition to the peak rate of urban runoff – requires tools for planning and engineered site design.
“I have been teaching about the water cycle, water balance components and computations. So the students have a good understanding about hydrologic concepts, equations and computations. The best way to quarantee a balance between nature and urban development in the future is by teaching future planners and decision-maker today about cutting edge technology for designing with nature,” stated Dr. Ineke Kalwij. “Jim Dumont demonstrated how to integrate all of the technical things that my students have been shown in class. In his presentation, Jim’s emphasis was on the information and techniques that are important in providing solutions and value to society.”
According to Ted van der Gulik, the rapid growth and success of the present second generation of the Water Balance Model has fuelled a level of user interest and need that has made it clear that the time has come for the next bold leap forward in the evolution of this web-based tool.
Ted van der Gulik (120p)
The vision is that British Columbia and Alberta communities will embrace a design with nature guiding philosophy to achieve settlement in balance with ecology.
“The Water Balance Model supports new approaches to water management, and will facilitate informed decision-making about climate change adaptation. The Water Balance Model is moving toward an expert system with broad capabilities,” said Ted van der Gulik.
Glen Westendorp (120p) – Town of Comox
The Water Balance Model gives the Town a tool to analyze potential land development impacts, and evaluate the effectiveness of proposed alternative on-site solutions.
The rapid growth and success of the present second generation of the Water Balance Model has fuelled a level of user interest and need that has made it clear that the time has come for the next bold leap forward in the evolution of this web-based tool.
Richard Boase (120p)
Richard Boase of the District of North Vancouver has succeeded Laura Maclean (Environment Canada)as Co-Chair of the Inter-Governmental Partnership that developed and maintains the Water Balance Model.
Kim Stephens (160p)
In a guest column, Kim Stephens explains why the Water Balance Model is garnering considerable attention as an important ‘decision support tool’ to help improve the way we develop land in British Columbia.
“The Premier’s Awards are an annual opportunity to publicly recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the men and women who have chosen public service as their career,” said Premier Campbell.
