Town of Comox is a Champion Supporter of the Partnership for Water Sustainability
Note to Reader:
In January 2013, the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC recognized the Town of Comox as a Champion Supporter in appreciation for the Town’s support for the efforts of the Partnership. The demonstrated commitment by the Town to achieving a shared vision for water sustainability in a local government setting is vitally important to the Partnership’s capability to carry out its mission in delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia.
Commitment to Regional Team Approach in the Comox Valley
Since participation in the inaugural Comox Valley Learning Lunch Seminar Series in 2008, the Town of Comox has been a champion for the CAVI-Convening for Action on Vancouver Island initiative. Comox is a member of the CAVI-Comox Valley Regional Team. The regional team also comprises representatives of the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, Comox Valley Regional District, Comox Valley Land Trust, TimberWest, and Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.
Provincial Recognition
“Commencing in 2008, the Town of Comox has emerged as a leader in the CAVI initiative, and this in turn is translating into provincial recognition,” states Kim Stephens, Partnership Executive Director and facilitator for the annual Comox Valley series. “Also, the Town became a partner in the Water Balance Model initiative in 2009, and is a champion of the waterbalance approach to rainwater management.”
“The Partnership values our relationship with the Town, and we applaud Council’s exceptional commitment of staff resources and funding to advance the Town’s strategic goals of environmental stewardship and public communication. This includes chairing and hosting the 2011 Learning Lunch Series.”
Sustainable Service Delivery
Through a program of professional development, the regional district and three municipalities are aligning efforts, building leadership capacity and striving for a consistent Comox Valley regional approach to Sustainable Service Delivery.
The Comox Valley program is built around an annual seminar series. This program is the foundation for a ‘regional team approach’. The seminars provide a neutral forum for sharing, exploring and learning in a way that no 
other forum currently provides.
“We have moved beyond continuing education solely for the purpose of professional development. We are exploring what implementation of regional policy means on the ground,” states Glenn Westendorp, Public Works Superintendent with the Town of Comox. He chaired the 2011 Comox Valley Seminar Series.
“One of the foundation pieces underpinning the series is expressed this way: All those involved in land development have a role to play in achieving Sustainable Service Delivery. The players include land use and infrastructure professionals.”
To Learn More:
To download a copy of an article published in the Summer 2011 issue of the Asset Management BC Newsletter, click on Comox Valley Local Governments Showcase A Regional Response to Infrastructure Liability
To learn more about sustainable service delivery, click on Provincial Funding in British Columbia Linked to Viewing Watersheds through a “Sustainable Service Delivery” Lens
