Author Archives: admin

1. Debra Oakman: Her support helped to lay the foundation for successfully launching the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative in 2012

   October 21, 2017 2:03 pm Comments Off on Debra Oakman: Her support helped to lay the foundation for successfully launching the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative in 2012

   Note to Reader:

   In October 2017, the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia honoured Debra Oakman, retired Chief Administrative Officer of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) with a Lifetime Membership in the Partnership. The presentation was made by Derek Richmond and Kim Stephens, representing the Partnership, at the start of a meeting of the CVRD Board.

   In 2008 Debra Oakman became the first Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the CVRD when it was created as a result of splitting the Comox Strathcona Regional District into two entities. 

   

   

   Derek Richmond, at the podium, speaking to the CVRD Board about Debra Oakman

   Comox Valley experience has informed the Georgia Basin
   Inter-Regional Education Initiative

   The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is a member of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. The Partnership is the hub for a “convening for action” network in the local government setting, and is responsible for delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan program through partnerships and collaboration.

   The Action Plan program includes the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI). The IREI involves five regional districts representing 75% of BC’s population.

   Debra Oakman – A Champion for Water & Watershed Sustainability in the Comox Valley

   “An early participant in the Action Plan program, CVRD was the Partnership’s sponsor regional district when the IREI was launched in 2012. The support of the CVRD Board was secured with the assistance of Debra Oakman,” stated Kim Stephens, Partnership Executive Director.

   “In view of Debra’s years of commitment to promoting the vision of water sustainability on Vancouver Island, Lifetime Membership in the Partnership is our way of recognizing her very significant contribution. In the years ahead, we hope to draw upon her as a resource.

   “Through her future participation in the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Educational Initiative program, it would be wonderful if others in local government were able to benefit from her knowledge and experience.”

   

   Communicate, Cooperate, Coordinate, Collaborate

   “Debra Oakman’s involvement with the work of the Partnership dates back to 2008 when the regional district was created in its current form,” added Derek Richmond, a Partnership Director who is resident in the Comox Valley. “Over the years, Debra has provided the Partnership with her insight and suggestions at key decision points.

   “The Partnership presented Debra with a framed Lifetime Membership in order to honour her and draw attention to her high-level contribution to the success of the Action Plan in general and IREI in particular. Both are guided by the 4Cs – communicate, cooperate, coordinate, collaborate.

   “Debra was always involved in water while in the Comox Valley. Whether it was through a previous initiative of the Partnership – CAVI – Convening for Action on Vancouver Island – or at inter-municipal meetings and symposiums.

   “She was able to engage others and ask insightful questions and encourage interest. She has consistently provided leadership and support for water sustainability.

   “Perhaps, most importantly, she was instrumental in helping to lay the foundation for the Georgia Basin IREI initiative – comprising of 5 regions within the Georgia Basin, exchanging ideas and information on water sustainability. This subsequently led to the recognition of the importance of sustainable water system delivery through asset management.

   “However, this recognition goes beyond an individual to also recognize the achievements and efforts of municipalities, singularly and collectively in the Comox Valley, whose collaborative and cooperative approach to water sustainability has resulted in a number of successful initiatives,” concluded Derek Richmond.

   

   Derek Richmond (Director & CAVI Past-Chair) and Kim Stephens (Executive Director) co-presented a framed copy of the “letter of recognition” attesting to Debra’s Lifetime Membership in the Partnership.

   Beyond the Guidebook 2015:
   Time-Line for Comox Valley shows how “regional team approach” has evolved over past decade

   Three regional strategies provide both a policy framework and a backdrop for inter-governmental collaboration in the Comox Valley:

   • Nature Without Borders (2008)
   • Regional Growth Strategy (2010)
   • Regional Sustainability Strategy (2010)

   “Adoption of the regional strategies has resulted in much for municipal staffs to absorb and digest about doing business differently, while at the same time they are tasked with keeping the wheels of government rolling to meet ongoing commitments,” Kevin Lagan, former Director of Operational Services for the City of Courtenay, stated in 2009,

   “Because water sustainability is achieved through implementation of green infrastructure practices, the Comox Valley-CAVI Regional Team convenes for action around this paradigm: Water is the finite resource; however, management of development is the control.”

   To Learn More:

   CLICK HERE to download a pdf copy of Figure 28 from Beyond the Guidebook 2015. This is complete with a colour-coded legend.

   The Comox Valley chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is 12 pages and is organized in six sections. To download a PDF copy and read the complete story, click on Comox Valley-CAVI Regional Team.

   To download a copy of the entire 158-page Beyond the Guidebook 2015, click on the link below:   https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf

   

   

   

   

2. Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan: Connecting people to their landscape, the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society is a voice for the community

   October 15, 2017 8:43 pm Comments Off on Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan: Connecting people to their landscape, the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society is a voice for the community

   Note to Reader:

   The Shelly Creek story is the sixth in a series of Watershed Blueprint Case Profiles published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability.

   The series showcases and celebrates successes and long-term ‘good work’ in the local government setting.

   The purpose of the series is to inform and facilitate inter-regional collaboration in the Georgia Basin. 

   By telling the stories of those who are spearheading changes in practice, this helps other local governments eliminate the “disconnect between information and implementation” that may otherwise hold them back.

   

   Englishman River / Shelly Creek   

   Over the past two decades, the evolving role of stream steward groups in British Columbia is exemplified by Englishman River experience. When the river was declared the most endangered river in BC, in 2001, extinction of Coho salmon was viewed as an imminent possibility.

   Call for Action

   In the 1990s, the Coho salmon crisis resulted in two transformational outcomes:

   • development of the Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan; and
   • creation of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES), a not-for-profit society.

   Over time, MVIHES has morphed from Stewards of the Plan to Stewards of the Watershed. Beginning in 2011, the MVIHES action plan has concentrated on Shelly Creek. One of five Englishman River tributaries, it is the last fish-bearing creek flowing through the City of Parksville.

   Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan

   The Englishman River is designated a ‘Sensitive Stream’. Thus, it requires special management attention under the Fisheries Protection Act.

   The recovery plan was the first to be funded by the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund.

   MVIHES played a central role in Plan delivery, and convened a broadly based steering committee.

   A Voice for the Community

   “MVIHES represented the community in the Watershed Recovery Plan implementation process during the period 2001 through 2008,” explains Peter Law, MVIHES vice-president.

   “There were substantial financial investments in stream restoration projects to enhance salmon and steelhead habitat. MVIHES was the community voice, and its eyes and ears.

   “As time moved on, priorities changed, and the role of MVIHES was refocussed into ‘monitoring streams’ to ensure watershed health. This meant getting the community involved by connecting people to their landscape through the Watershed Health and You initiative.”

   “MVIHES experience demonstrates that positive outcomes are a result of strong community support for protection of small streams and their tributaries,” stated the late Faye Smith (1937-2017).

   The Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan is dedicated to her memory. Faye Smith was the backbone of stream stewardship in the Oceanside area for 30 years.

   To Learn More:

   Read Faye Smith champions science-based action to protect urban watershed health on Vancouver Island

   Watershed Health and You

   The initiative aims to engage the local community in recognizing the importance of the watershed.  This is the prelude to involving community members in activities that would help to protect their own watersheds. MVIHES:

   • coordinates projects and community discussions about management of the watershed;
   • disseminates information regarding the status of aquatic habitat in the watershed; and
   • provides opportunities for the community to participate in hands-on care for the watershed, estuary and shorelines.

   The MVIHES mission is to connect people to their landscape through education. Public events raise the level of awareness.

   Table of Contents

   The table is a synopsis. It distills the essence of each section into a succinct statement. These create a storyline. Readers are asked to pause and reflect on them before reading the story itself.

   To Download a Copy: https://waterbucket.ca/rm/files/2017/10/Shelly-Creek-Water-Balance-Demonstration_Oct2017.pdf

   

3. “By sharing the story of Shelly Creek, we want readers to recognize that erosion is a common issue impacting salmon and trout habitats in small streams, draining into the Salish Sea,” stated Peter Law, Vice-President of the Mid Vancouver Habitat Enhancement Society

   3:32 pm Comments Off on “By sharing the story of Shelly Creek, we want readers to recognize that erosion is a common issue impacting salmon and trout habitats in small streams, draining into the Salish Sea,” stated Peter Law, Vice-President of the Mid Vancouver Habitat Enhancement Society

   Note to Reader:

   In 1999 the Englishman River on the east coast of Vancouver Island was declared an endangered river. Extinction of the salmon resource was viewed as a very real possibility. This catalyst for action resulted in two transformational outcomes: implementation of the Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan (2001); and creation of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES).

   Fast forward to the present. Shelly Creek, a tributary of the Englishman River that flows through the City of Parksville, is important to salmonids. MVIHES has established a provincial precedent with the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan; and this will have reverberations as the “Shelly Creek story” becomes well-known.

   The Shelly Creek experience foreshadows that an informed stream stewardship sector may prove to be a difference-maker that accelerates implementation of the ‘whole-system, water balance’ approach in British Columbia.

   DOWNLOAD A COPY

   

   MVIHES – Stewards of the Watershed

   Over the past two decades, the evolving role of stream steward groups in British Columbia is exemplified by Englishman River experience. In the1990s, the ‘Coho salmon crisis’ raised the alarm and galvanized action to tackle the impact of human activities on stream health and fish survival in urbanizing watersheds.

   Across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, salmon enhancement stewardship groups formed. Many volunteer groups had their beginnings in small stream salmon enhancement projects.

   Look Beyond the Creek Channel

   A generation later, most community-based groups still exist. They provide thousands of volunteer hours to restore aquatic habitats. From (salmon egg) incubation boxes to habitat restoration, they partner with fisheries agencies to restore salmonid populations. Now the scope of stewardship sector involvement and influence is expanding beyond the creek channel.

   “Over time, MVIHES has morphed from Stewards of the Plan to Stewards of the Watershed. Beginning in 2011, the MVIHES action plan has concentrated on Shelly Creek. One of five Englishman River tributaries, it is the last fish-bearing creek flowing through the City of Parksville,” states Peter Law, MVIHES Vice-President & Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.

   

   Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society – Stewards of the Watershed

   What the Community Watershed Monitoring Network has revealed

   In 2011, the Regional District of Nanaimo Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Program partnered with the Ministry of Environment, MVIHES and nine other stewardship groups to implement the Community Watershed Monitoring Network.

   Erosion is the Issue

   “Shelly Creek turbidity measurements were two times higher than the value established for acceptable sediment runoff in the Englishman River,” reports Peter Law.

   “In fact, Shelly Creek’s turbidity numbers were the highest in the region (as reported in 2013). This was the alarm bell that alerted us to a serious problem with watershed health. By 2014, efforts to identify sediment sources and their causes, and then develop solutions, were underway.

   ”MVIHES secured funding from multiple agencies, in particular the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and developed the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan. Now, the challenge for MVIHES is to facilitate the community’s journey from awareness to action, expressed as follows:

   Once a community as a whole acknowledges that there is a problem, and also understands why there is a problem, what will the community do about it?

   “By sharing the story of Shelly Creek, we want readers to recognize that erosion is a common issue impacting salmon and trout habitats in small streams, draining into the Salish Sea,” states Peter Law.

   “Existing standards of practice have resulted in negative impacts. Continuing to use those standards will result in further environmental degradation of the watershed and loss of stream productivity.

   “Building support for action starts with community engagement. Over the coming year, we hope to engage property owners along the stream at kitchen table discussions about what is happening, and focus on possible in-stream and off-stream solutions.

   “They are seeing the impacts now, and will suffer in the future.  It will require a bottom-up approach to inform, educate and inspire City and Regional District governments to implement 21st century policies for rainwater and development.”

   A Funder’s Perspective

   In addition to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, four other organizations provided funding, namely: MVIHES, Regional District of Nanaimo, City of Parksville and the Partnership for Water Sustainability.

   “As a co-funder, the Partnership is thrilled to have contributed to the Shelly Creek Plan,” stated Kim Stephens, Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.

   “We all learn from stories and the most compelling ones are based on the experiences of the champions who are leading by example in their communities.

   “Our commitment to the Shelly Creek stream stewardship volunteers is to tell their story far and wide.”

   Engage the Community

   All of us have an impact on the land, on the water, and on the way things look. Restoring watershed hydrology and aquatic habitat depends on all the players embracing shared responsibility. There are solutions to be found if we communicate, cooperate, coordinate and collaborate. Commitment to action must be inter-generational. The Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan is a starting point for ‘getting it right’.

   Shared and Inter-Generational Responsibility

   “MVIHES is a small group of community volunteers with limited resources. So the challenge is daunting. Yet someone has to spark a consensus in our community that: we must implement ‘state-of-the-art’ Rainwater Management practices ASAP, or we will lose what remains of fish values in Shelly Creek,” states Peter Law.

   “The goal of restoring a healthy watershed with viable fish-bearing flows and habitats would take at least 50 years.  Over the coming months, MVIHES will meet with owners of large land holdings about projects that could be implemented in the stream channel. Because stream channel restoration is costly and time consuming, our message will be that effectiveness depends on preventing erosion.

   “We had better get busy,” concludes Peter Law.

   Table of Contents

   The table is a synopsis. It distills the essence of each section into a succinct statement. These create a storyline. Readers are asked to pause and reflect on them before reading the story itself.

   To Download a Copy: https://waterbucket.ca/rm/files/2017/10/Shelly-Creek-Water-Balance-Demonstration_Oct2017.pdf

   

4. “MVIHES has established a provincial precedent with the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan; and this will have reverberations as the 'Shelly Creek story' becomes well-known," wrote Kim Stephens in the preface to "Shelly Creek is Parksville's last fish-bearing stream!" (October 2017)

   3:17 pm Comments Off on “MVIHES has established a provincial precedent with the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan; and this will have reverberations as the 'Shelly Creek story' becomes well-known," wrote Kim Stephens in the preface to "Shelly Creek is Parksville's last fish-bearing stream!" (October 2017)

   Note to Reader:

   In October 2017, the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia released the 6th in the Watershed Case Profile Series. It tells the story of how the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society is leading by example.

   Download Shelly Creek is Parksville’s last fish-bearing stream! – Restore Watershed Hydrology, Prevent Stream Erosion, Ensure Fish Survival 

   

   DOWNLOAD: https://waterbucket.ca/rm/files/2017/10/Shelly-Creek-Water-Balance-Demonstration_Oct2017.pdf

   Restore Watershed Hydrology, Prevent Stream Erosion,
   Ensure Fish Survival

   “Context is everything!,” wrote Kim Stephens, Partnership Executive Director, in the preface to Shelly Creek is the City of Parksville’s last fish-bearing stream! 

   The Partnership is one of five organizations that co-funded development of the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan. The Pacific  Salmon Foundation was the primary funder. The other three funders comprised the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society, City of Parksville and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

   Englishman River / Shelly Creek

   “Shelly Creek is a tributary of the Englishman River, a major watershed system on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Shelly Creek is important to salmonids, and this is why it is necessary to understand what is causing the Shelly Creek stream channel to fill with sediment, as well as what can be done to ensure fish survival over time.

   “In 1999 the Englishman River was first declared to be one of the most endangered rivers in BC. Extinction of the fisheries resource was viewed as a very real possibility. This was the catalyst for action. It resulted in two transformational outcomes: implementation of the Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan (2001); and creation of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES).”

   

   A Voice for the Community

   “Fast forward to the present. Through their involvement in MVIHES, community stewardship volunteers are demonstrating what it means to embrace ‘shared responsibility’ and take the initiative to lead by example,” continued Kim Stephens.

   “A paramount goal is to “get it right” in the stream channel. Their challenge is to move from stop-gap remediation of in-stream problems to long-term restoration of a properly functioning watershed.

   “MVIHES has established a provincial precedent with the Shelly Creek Water Balance & Sediment Reduction Plan; and this will have reverberations as the “Shelly Creek story” becomes well-known.”

   Reflections on Moving from Awareness to Action

   “The Shelly Creek experience foreshadows that an informed stream stewardship sector may prove to be a difference-maker that instigates and accelerates implementation of the ‘whole-system, water balance’ approach in the Georgia Basin region and beyond,” concluded Kim Stephens.

   “As a co-funder, the Partnership is thrilled to have contributed to the Shelly Creek Plan. Our commitment to the Shelly Creek stream stewardship volunteers is to tell their story far and wide. This Watershed Case Profile is the launch of the storytelling process!”

   

   INFORM, EDUCATE, INSPIRE: Apply the “BC Process” for moving from awareness to action.

   Table of Contents

   The table is a synopsis. It distills the essence of each section into a succinct statement. These create a storyline. Readers are asked to pause and reflect on them before reading the story itself.

   To Learn More:

   To download the 6th in the Watershed Case Profile Series, click on Shelly Creek is Parksville’s last fish-bearing stream! – Restore Watershed Hydrology, Prevent Stream Erosion, Ensure Fish Survival.

   

    

5. Released in July 2017, the "Shelly Creek Water Balance & Erosion Reduction Plan" has three desired outcomes: Restore Watershed Hydrology, Prevent Stream Erosion, Ensure Salmon Survival

   2:19 pm Comments Off on Released in July 2017, the "Shelly Creek Water Balance & Erosion Reduction Plan" has three desired outcomes: Restore Watershed Hydrology, Prevent Stream Erosion, Ensure Salmon Survival

   Note to Reader:

   Shelly Creek is a tributary of the Englishman River, a major watershed system on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Shelly Creek is important to salmonids, and this is why it is necessary to understand what is causing the Shelly Creek stream channel to fill with sediment, as well as what can be done to ensure fish survival over time.

   In 1999 the Englishman River was first declared to be one of the most endangered rivers in BC. Extinction of the salmon resource was viewed as a very real possibility. This was the catalyst for action. It resulted in two transformational outcomes: implementation of the Englishman River Watershed Recovery Plan (2001); and creation of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES).

   Over time, MVIHES has morphed from Stewards of the Plan to Stewards of the Watershed. Beginning in 2011, the MVIHES action plan has concentrated on Shelly Creek. One of five Englishman River tributaries, it is the last fish-bearing creek flowing through the City of Parksville.

   

   Human Impact on the
   Shelly Creek Watershed

   The Englishman River is designated a ‘Sensitive Stream’. Thus, it requires special management attention under the Fisheries Protection Act.

   Over the past 80 years, the Shelly Creek watershed has been transformed by human activities.

   Land alterations have included clearing and ditching for farming, ditching for road development and land subdivision, logging, linear developments (highway, railway, hydro transmission), and residential and industrial developments.

   

   Shelly Creek Watershed in the Nanaimo Region

   Changes in Watershed Hydrology

   “In 2015, community volunteers completed a survey on the upper section of Shelly Creek using the  Urban Salmon Habitat Program (USHP) protocol,” stated Peter Law, Vice-President, Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society.

   “The results showed that much of the 2 km of creek above Hwy 19 has been excavated. This has resulted in significant changes to the natural hydrology of the watershed that have heavily impacted the lower section of Shelly Creek which supports a resident Cutthroat Trout population and overwintering Coho Salmon fry and smolts.”

   Identification of Erosion Impacts:

   “These impacts became evident when the USHP conducted on the lower section of the creek in 2014 was compared with a USHP conducted in 1999,” continued Peter Law. “The comparison of USHP results for the the lower section of Shelly Creek show there has been:

   • significant increase in erosion of stream banks
   • significant increase in the amount of fine sediment covering the bottom of pools
   • 50% reduction in the number of pools (due to infilling by sediments)
   • less cover for fish
   • less gravel for spawning
   • a high number of obstructions of fish passage during low flow

   “Without restoring the natural hydrology of the creek, any fish habitat restoration or mitigation we complete may not be successful.”

   

   Water Balance Pathways

   How Rainfall Reaches the Creek

   “MVIHES retained Mr. Jim Dumont, a Hydrological Engineer, to conduct a water balance study that compares the current water flowpaths in the Shelly Creek watershed with pre-development flowpaths. From this study we hoped to find the root cause of the increased erosion and sedimentation, and methods for correcting the problem,” stated Peter Law.

   Jim Dumont is also the Engineering Applications Authority for the Partnership for Water Sustainability, one of five organizations that co-funded the Shelly Creek Water Balance and Erosion Reduction Plan.

   “When we think of water flowing into creeks, we often think of surface flow that takes only minutes or hours to enter a creek, and groundwater flow that may take years to reach a creek. What we may not be aware of is interflow.”

   Understanding Interflow

   “When water sinks into the ground we often assume it is all going into the groundwater aquifers, however, much of it actually travels horizontally through shallow soil layers into the creeks,” explained Peter Law.

   “In fact, interflow is the primary pathway for water flow in an undeveloped watershed in coastal BC. It typically accounts for ¾ of the annual volume that reaches a stream. Interflow take days and perhaps a season to reach a creek and is important because it supplies water during dry spells.

   “Several things can and do interfere with interflow in the Shelly Creek Watershed and are associated with development. One is impervious surfaces such as buildings, pavement and concrete. These surfaces prevent precipitation from penetrating the soil to supply interflow. Most of the precipitation that falls on these surfaces becomes surface flow that enters and exits Shelly Creek over a short period of time, leaving the creek with almost no water during dry spells.

   “Drainage ditches built along roads and in residential areas intercept interflow and turn it into surface flow which is directed into Shelly Creek.  This increase in surface water flow during rain events is what is causing serious erosion and sedimentation problems.

   “In fact, the water balance study shows the duration of flows that cause erosion (1 L/s/ha to 8 L/s/ha) has increased by more than a factor of 5 since pre-development. If development within the Shelly Creek Watershed continues in the same manner, the duration of erosion-causing flows is predicted to increase by 14-fold, a devastating outcome for Shelly Creek.”

   

   Jim Dumont explaining how water reaches a stream

   Why is development that impacts interflow to Shelly Creek happening?

   “Standard drainage engineering practice only considers surface runoff,” stated Peter Law. “The other two pathways (interflow and groundwater) by which rainfall reaches streams are ignored. In short, drainage engineering practice lags behind real-world hydrology, and as a consequence Shelly Creek is experiencing serious erosion and destruction of fish habitat.

   “An alternative to standard engineering practices is using a Water Balance Methodology that accounts for all three flow paths with the goal of keeping all three flow paths in balance. The good news is that there are already tools available to accomplish this. The bad news is that they are not being used. So what can be done to correct the problem?”

   Enforce Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Design Guidelines:

   “A majority of future subdivision will occur within the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) where Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) is the review and approving agency for subdivision and drainage design.

   “MOTI Guidlelines already exist that require drainage and development plans be designed to prevent the downstream flows that have impacted Shelly Creek. But they are only guidelines, not regulations. Nonetheless, MOTI should enforce the guidelines to future subdivisions. The City of Parksville  should adopt similar standards.”

   Utilize Water Balance Express for Homeowners for all Future Building Applications:

   “The Water Balance Express for Homeowners is a computer application created by the Partnership for Water Sustainability for British Columbia to provide guidance in restoring site conditions to their natural hydrologic function.

   “Implementing the Water Balance Express within the building application process will require changes to the administrative processes for building permitting in both the RDN and the City of Parksville.

   “Both organizations will require bylaw amendments, or new bylaws to allow the implementation and ongoing maintenance of rainwater management systems on private property. We anticipate the construction and certification would occur as part of the building permit and construction process.”

   Encourage Homeowners Within the Shelly Creek Watershed to Return the Hydrology of Their Property to a Natural Condition:

   “This involves the mitigation of impervious areas such as roofs and driveways, sidewalks, and patios with the use of rainwater retention that can be in the form of raingardens, infiltration ponds or other landscaping features that contain and slowly release captured rainwater from the impervious surfaces.

   “The Water Balance Express is a useful tool to assist with this. The Regional District of Comox has a version that can be viewed at   http://comox.waterbalance-express.ca/

   “Building support for action begins with community engagement. No doubt MVIHES has a challenge ahead to build consensus among our community, the developers and government agencies for a new approach to development and drainage management if we are to save the remaining fish values in Shelly Creek,” concluded Peter Law.

   Downloadable Documents

   Shelly Creek Water Balance and Sediment Reduction Plan – Technical Summary

   Shelly Creek Water Balance and Sediment Reduction Plan – Phase 1 Physical and Environmental Investigations

   Shelly Creek Water Balance and Sediment Reduction Plan – Phase 2 Computer Modelling and Assessment

   

6. VIDEO: "Thinking Like a Watershed: Eco-Assets Explained" – perspectives by Bob Sandford, Emanuel Machado, Kim Stephens and Michelle Molnar together capture the essence of the Comox Valley Eco-Asset Symposium

   July 1, 2017 12:23 pm Comments Off on VIDEO: "Thinking Like a Watershed: Eco-Assets Explained" – perspectives by Bob Sandford, Emanuel Machado, Kim Stephens and Michelle Molnar together capture the essence of the Comox Valley Eco-Asset Symposium

   Note to Reader:

   The Comox Valley Eco-Asset Symposium was one of two ‘watershed moments’ organized by the stewardship sector during the week of March 13^th 2017. The other was in the Metro Vancouver region. After the Symposium, the organizers released the video below.

   Eco-Assets Explained

   The perspectives of four speakers who played prominent roles at the Comox Valley Eco-Asset Symposium are featured in the video:

   • Bob Sandford – keynote speaker for the public event during the evening on the day before the symposium; Chair for Water and Climate Security, United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health
   • Kim Stephens – keynote speaker on the day of the symposium; Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC
   • Emanuel Machado – Chief Administrator, Town of Gibsons
   • Michelle Molnar – Ecological Economist and Policy Analyst at David Suzuki Foundation

   This video is part of the legacy of the event.

   Three Questions for Bob Sandford

   1. What kinds of broad climatic changes should we expect to influence the Ecological Assets of the Comox Valley in the coming decades?
   2. What do you recommend communities such as ours do to build resiliency to those changes?
   3. How can protecting and restoring ecosystems help?

   Three Questions for Kim Stephens,
   Emanuel Machado and Michelle Molnar

   1. What do you think are the main benefits that an ecological asset approach can offer to local governments and the general public?
   2. What do you think are the main challenges in implementing an ecological asset management system?
   3. What do you think is the key ingredient to a successful program of ecological asset management?

   To Learn More:

   Visit http://www.cvlandtrust.ca/eco-assets-symposium.html

   

   

   

   

7. Mike Donnelly – A Champion for Water & Watershed Sustainability in the Nanaimo Region

   June 14, 2017 9:31 pm Comments Off on Mike Donnelly – A Champion for Water & Watershed Sustainability in the Nanaimo Region

   

   Mike Donnelly (centre) receivesLifetime Membership in the Partnership from John Finnie (left) and Kim Stephens (right)

   Partnership for Water Sustainability recognizes career accomplishments of Mike Donnelly, Water Champion

   Mike Donnelly’s professional career covers over 30 years of experience involving engineering surveying, systems computerization, transit system management, and solid waste, water and wastewater utilities operation and management.

   Prior to his retirement in May 2016, Mike was the Manager of Water & Utilities Services with the Regional District of Nanaimo.  In addition to his responsibility for several water and sewer service areas in the District, he also managed the Region’s Drinking Water & Watershed Protection function and served as its Technical Advisory Committee Chair.

   Water was an important focus for Mike, from both career and personal perspectives.  But he also kept busy by wearing hats, at various times, as President of the RCMP Auxiliary, President of Tourism Nanaimo Board, and President of the Coastal Community Credit Union Board.  He also currently serves on the City of Nanaimo Public Works & Engineering Committee.

   In March 2017, and in recognition of his years of commitment to promoting the vision of water sustainability on Vancouver Island, and particularly within the Regional District of Nanaimo, the Partnership for Water Sustainability named Mike Donnelly as a Lifetime Member.

   

   RDN experience has informed the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative

   “Mike Donnelly’s effort and dedication to advancing the Drinking Water & Watershed Protection program are considered to be a key component of the success of the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative,” noted John Finnie, a member of the Leadership Team for the Partnership for Water Sustainability. Prior to retiring from government, John Finnie was the RDN’s General Manager, Regional and Community Utilities.

   “Significantly, the RDN activities and success have stimulated interest and action in water protection and sustainability in other regions of Vancouver Island and the province,” emphasized John Finnie.

   John Finnie and Mike Donnelly were the co-architects of the RDN’s Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Plan program.

   A Forum for Sharing & Learning

   “The Regional District of Nanaimo’s water sustainability goals have meshed very well with those of the Partnership over the many years we have worked together,” responded Mike Donnelly.

   “The working relationship enhances the ability of both organizations to reach their common goals in water sustainability while supporting each other.  A highlight of that relationship was being part of the Inter-Regional Education Initiative, an excellent forum for learning and passing on hard won experience.”

   “It has been a real pleasure working with Kim Stephens and Partnership group over the years, all the best.”

   

   

   Beyond the Guidebook 2015:
   Time-Line highlights milestones for “watershed-based approach” in Nanaimo Region

   The RDN was the first regional district to embrace a leadership role within the CAVI -Convening for Action on Vancouver Island initiative. The RDN’s contribution to inter-regional “sharing and learning” is the experience it has gained over the past decade in first developing and then implementing the precedent-setting Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Program.

   “A growing population combined with known negative impacts created the need to tackle issues of groundwater depletion, stream degradation, surface water contamination and the changes climate change will bring. Land use planning and development standards cannot be effectively modified without a clear understanding of our water resources, where they are changing and why,” explained Mike Donnelly.

   “In 2008, and as the outcome of a successful referendum, the RDN became the first regional government to create a drinking water and watershed protection service area with taxation authority in an electoral area. This was the culmination of a 6-year effort. In 2012, the service area was expanded to include the municipalities within the regional district and they became active participants in the watershed function,” added John Finnie.

   To Learn More:

   The Regional District of Nanaimo chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is 16 pages and is organized in five sections as shown below. To download a PDF copy and read the complete story, click on Convening for Action in Nanaimo Region.

   

   

8. INTER-REGIONAL COLLABORATION: In April 2017, the three mid Vancouver Island regional districts convened in Duncan to share their successes and challenges in protecting water resources

   May 1, 2017 8:00 pm Comments Off on INTER-REGIONAL COLLABORATION: In April 2017, the three mid Vancouver Island regional districts convened in Duncan to share their successes and challenges in protecting water resources

   Note to Reader:

   In mid-April 2017, the Cowichan Valley Regional District hosted a meeting of mid-Vancouver Island regional districts (Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo Region and Comox Valley). The three regional districts are partners in the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Educational Initiative (IREI).

   Although not ground-breaking, the story of this inter-regional gathering is nonetheless newsworthy: demonstrates collaboration in action; is about sharing successes and challenges in protecting water resources at the watershed and regional levels; and underscores why peer-based learning is motivating and powerful.

   The unique dimension to this example of inter-regional sharing and learning were the presentations by staff from the two other regions to Cowichan Valley elected representatives.

   

   The Georgia Basin is comprised of lands and watersheds that surround and drain into the Salish Sea. This inland sea encompasses the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Tributary lands include the east coast of Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.

   “Peer-based learning is motivating and powerful,” states Brian Carruthers, Chief Administrative Office, Cowichan Valley Regional District

   Everyone learns from stories. In the world of local government, the most compelling are the stories of champions who are leading or pioneering changes in the way local government delivers services.

   In April, staff from the three mid-Vancouver Island regional districts met in Duncan. Their primary purpose in meeting was to inform and educate the Cowichan Regional Board about a range of approaches to watershed management functions and watershed protection plans on Vancouver Island. 

   Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD)

   “We began with the concept of a watershed-specific service for the Cowichan River system. But the public sees water in the Cowichan region as requiring a broader regional issue. This feedback has re-shaped and evolved our thinking,’ reports Brian Carruthers, Chief Administrative Officer.

   Understand the Problem to Build Consensus on a Solution:

   “So what made the difference? The answer is found in our approach to the public engagement process. We focused on the problem, rather than on a pre-determined solution. Informing and educating the community about the nature of the problem was a difference-maker to their understanding.

   “A theme emerged regarding desirable roles and responsibilities for water and watershed management in the Cowichan region. It also stirred interest to explore what other regional districts are doing.”

   Value of Peer-based Learning

   “The outcome of the public engagement process provided a backdrop for the sharing and learning session with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and Comox Valley Regional District. Those regions provide a range of experience that we can learn from: the RDN has a true region-wide service function; and Comox Valley has a watershed-based service.

   “The RDN and Comox Valley presentations to our Regional Board were of high quality and relevant. Board members were fully engaged. A common thread was collaboration and bringing all parties to the table. Learning from each other is motivating and powerful,” concludes Brian Carruthers.

   Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN)

   “The meeting with both CVRDs was a great opportunity to emerge from our daily region-focused work, and share the big picture about our unique approach to water initiatives in our region,” states Randy Alexander, General Manager, Regional and Community Utilities.

   “The focus of our presentation was the regional function of the RDN Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) program – what prompted its creation, how it was created, and how/why/where it has been successful.”

   RDN Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Plan

   “Our approach is to take a regional, watershed approach to education programs, data collection, monitoring activities and scientific studies, and advocating for policy and informing land-use planning from a water-centric view,” continues Julie Pisani, DWWP Coordinator.

   “The reliable long-term funding designated for our DWWP program has really enabled us to engage in meaningful and durable collaborative relationships with different groups and agencies. It has allowed us to pursue long-term datasets and take a long range view that enables better planning based on better information.”

   Comox Valley Regional District

   “The essence of the story that we shared with our peers is that the Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) delivered a Watershed Protection Plan that was fully implementable, and WAG did it within a year,” reports Marc Rutten, General Manager of Engineering Services Branch.

   Comox Lake Watershed Protection Plan

   “While the process was guided by a consultant, the content of the plan was developed and reviewed by a comprehensive group of stakeholders representing a broad variety of interests.  As such, the implementation of the plan has a very high level of community support,” explains Zoe Norcross-Nu’u, Watershed Coordinator.

   “This collaborative process and its positive outcome is something that the Comox Valley is proud of, and we were honoured to be asked to share the details of our process with our neighbouring regional districts.  Coming together as neighbouring regional governments has definitely strengthened our relationships and increased the amount of inter-regional communication and sharing of methodologies, ideas, strategies and information – something all of our communities are benefitting from.”

   

9. CONVENING FOR ACTION ALONG THE EAST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND: Cowichan Valley Regional District shares its successes and challenges in protecting water resources at inter-regional meeting in April 2017

   5:45 pm Comments Off on CONVENING FOR ACTION ALONG THE EAST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND: Cowichan Valley Regional District shares its successes and challenges in protecting water resources at inter-regional meeting in April 2017

   Note to Reader:

   Everyone learns from stories. In the world of local government, the most compelling are the stories of champions who are leading or pioneering changes in the way local government delivers services.

   In April 2017, the Cowichan Valley Regional District hosted a meeting of mid-Vancouver Island regional districts (Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo Region and Comox Valley). Their purpose in meeting was to share successes and challenges in protecting water resources.

   

   Understand the Problem to Build Consensus on a Solution

   “We began with the concept of a watershed-specific service for the Cowichan River system. But the public sees water in the Cowichan region as requiring a broader regional issue. This feedback has re-shaped and evolved our thinking,’ reports Brian Carruthers, Chief Administrative Officer, Cowichan Valley Regional District.

   “So what made the difference? The answer is found in our approach to the public engagement process. We focused on the problem, rather than on a pre-determined solution. Informing and educating the community about the nature of the problem was a difference-maker to their understanding. It also stirred interest to explore what other regional districts are doing.”

   Inter-Regional Collaboration

   “The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) and Comox Valley Regional District provide a range of experience that we can learn from: the RDN has a true region-wide service function; and Comox Valley has a watershed-based service,” continues Brian Carruthers.

   “The CVRD appreciates that the April session was a major undertaking on the part of our RDN and Comox Valley peers – first to prepare for the session, and then to set aside a day in their busy schedules to travel and share their experiences. Their time commitment was a major gesture in the spirit of inter-regional collaboration.”

   To Learn More:

   To read the complete story, download Peer-based Learning is Motivating and Powerful – Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”, released in May 2017.

   

    

    

10. CONVENING FOR ACTION ALONG THE EAST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND: Regional District of Nanaimo shares its successes and challenges in protecting water resources at inter-regional meeting held in April 2017

    5:30 pm Comments Off on CONVENING FOR ACTION ALONG THE EAST COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND: Regional District of Nanaimo shares its successes and challenges in protecting water resources at inter-regional meeting held in April 2017

    Note to Reader:

    Everyone learns from stories. In the world of local government, the most compelling are the stories of champions who are leading or pioneering changes in the way local government delivers services.

    In April 2017, the Cowichan Valley Regional District hosted a meeting of mid-Vancouver Island regional districts (Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo Region and Comox Valley). Their purpose in meeting was to share successes and challenges in protecting water resources.

    

    Regional Team Approach in RDN founded on Sustainable Partnerships and Reliable Funding

    “The meeting with both CVRDs was a great opportunity to emerge from our daily region-focused work, and share the big picture about our unique approach to water initiatives in our region,” states Randy Alexander, General Manager, Regional and Community Utilities.

    “The focus of our presentation was the regional function of the RDN Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) program – what prompted its creation, how it was created, and how/why/where it has been successful.”

    RDN Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Plan

    “Our approach is to take a regional, watershed approach to education programs, data collection, monitoring activities and scientific studies, and advocating for policy and informing land-use planning from a water-centric view,” continues Julie Pisani, DWWP Coordinator.

    “The reliable long-term funding designated for our DWWP program has really enabled us to engage in meaningful and durable collaborative relationships with different groups and agencies. It has allowed us to pursue long-term datasets and take a long range view that enables better planning based on better information.”

    To Learn More:

    To read the complete story, download Peer-based Learning is Motivating and Powerful – Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”, released in May 2017.