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“In 2012, an inter-governmental working group with staff from municipalities, Metro Vancouver, and Ministry of Environment was tasked with developing a weight-of-evidence performance measurement approach that would be available to all member municipalities The Adaptive Management Framework is meant to be a ‘living document’, adaptively managed itself, and updated as required to reflect advances in stormwater/rainwater management, monitoring techniques, and to build on the accumulated experience of stakeholders in the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan process,” stated Andjela Knezevic-Stevanovic.

“The panel painted a picture of collaboration and outcome-oriented actions, with a focus on the Comox Valley and its Guide to Water-Wise Land Development in the Comox Valley. Then, they elaborated on how on-the-ground success is a springboard to an over-arching vision,” reports Kim Stephens.

“This is an exciting partnership that will result in a comprehensive approach to visioning and planning that will ultimately benefit many diverse groups on Vancouver Island,” states Pedro Marquez.

“The outcomes include things like low carbon technology, green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and creative business practices. And the broad principles include a commitment to a shared vision, the common good, fair play, a sense of ethics, and inclusion across cultures,” stated Eric Bonham.

“As our economy diversities, our communities grow, and our population expands, we must find ways of working together so that we will balance the inevitable demands of growth with the equally important issue of protecting our coveted and life-sustaining natural environment. Vancouver Island 2065 is an important step towards increasing awareness as well as inter-regional cooperation,” states George Hanson.

In October 2013, Kim Stephens was invited by Metro Vancouver’s Utilities Committee to provide the members with a progress update on implementation on inter-regional collaboration as it pertains to watershed-based planning.  “A core group of local government champions representing five geographic regions affirmed that it will function as an inter-regional leadership team; and has framed the ultimate outcome of an inter-regional series of working sessions in these terms: ‘Through sharing and learning, ensure that where we are going is indeed the right way’,” stated Kim Stephens.

“Effective change will be the result of a new form of governance, one that recognizes the collaborative role of business, local government and community that enables the creation of a healthy economy within a sustainable environment. A reliable and sustainable water resource is a critical component of a healthy and progressive economic development strategy,” states Kim Stephens.

“At the Summit, we will announce the launch of ‘Vancouver Island 2065’. Through collaboration, this project will engage local and regional governments with the private and academic sectors, to address long term sustainability issues on Vancouver Island,” foreshadows Eric Bonham.

Day after day, week after week Gary Mason displays a perspective on current affairs in BC and in Canada that is broad, penetrating, balanced and insightful. Gary’s perspective on a range of issues affecting life in BC and life on Vancouver Island will provide a provocative beginning to the 2-day Economic Summit.

“A panel of experts will look at accelerating the commercialization of ‘greentech’ innovations & solutions while providing insights & perspectives from Vancouver Island sector leaders. The presentation will be one of 16 similar sessions at the 7th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit,” reports George Hanson