“The rebuilt scenario comparison tool is tailored to multiple levels of users who have a wide range of technical backgrounds, from hydrology experts to stewardship groups. The model now has launch buttons at three scales of investigation,” reports Richard Boase.
“The ‘missing link’ has been the single family detached dwelling. Yet, the ultimate audience goes well beyond homeowners. The WBM Express is a vehicle to connect with builders, developers, consultants, real estate agents and students/educators,” stated Kim Stephens.
The Surface Water Management Bylaw adopted by the District of Central Saanich in 2010 was the source of inspiration for the WBM Express. According to Nirmal Bhattacharya, the Bylaw provides the means to restore the water balance when properties redevelop.
“We are on schedule. Version 2.0 is completed, and we are currently in beta-testing mode,” reports Ted van der Gulik. “While the look-and-feel is essentially unchanged, Version 2.0 is streamlined and cleaner. A big difference is performance: Version 2.0 is so much quicker!”
“We’ve reached a point where one WBM interface no longer works for everyone. We now need to provide an environment that supports communities that range from highly experienced experts to enthusiastic newcomers.”
“The Partnership began as a subgroup of Metro Vancouver's Stormwater Interagency Liaison Group. It quickly expanded to become a provincial group with municipal representation from four regions,” states Ted van der Gulik.
“Municipalities have lots of competing interests for spending money; lots of projects to keep staff busy; and finite financial resources. Everyone is challenged to do more with less and get it done,” states Anne Topp.
According to Kim Stephens, the Partners Forum provides an opportunity for local governments to reflect on what has been accomplished through alignment and collaboration. It also enables the leadership team to foreshadow where the inter-governmental initiative will lead next.
“It is significant that we have reached a critical mass in terms of the number of engineering consultants who have become Water Balance Model paying subscribers. Clearly, they see a value in the tool,” states Ted van der Gulik.
“The Water Balance Model is a decision support tool that supports an outcome-oriented approach. A key recommendation in the From Rain to Resource Report is to incorporate the Water Balance Model into planning,” states Kim Stephens.
