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Water sustainability on Vancouver Island will be achieved through implementation of green infrastructure policies, practices and standards.“If we are to control our destiny, then we need to challenge Vancouver Islanders to visualize what they want this place to look like in 50 years and get on with creating our future,” stated Rod Sherrell, AVICC President (2007).

“Through careful planning and strong local political support, Ucluelet has successfully implemented ‘smart growth’ sustainable planning tools. Ucluelet’s planning principles can be implemented and transferred to larger cities or other rural communities experiencing development pressures,” concluded Felice Mazzoni.

“Courtenay is taking a proactive integrated approach to how it does business. Our Strategic Plan, Official Community Plan and other related documents are being drafted or amended to ensure that sustainability, livability and reducing our environmental footprint is achieved,” stated Kevin Lagan.

“There are a lot of good things happening in communities throughout Vancouver Island. Through many one-on-one conversations, we found those stories: and then we pulled together a partnership to host a series of one-day events,” reports Kim Stephens.

To promote a new way-of-thinking related to infrastructure policies and practices, CAVI organized “Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation on Vancouver Island: The 2007 Series.” Events were held in the Nanaimo region, Cowichan Valley and Comox Valley. Rob Lawrance led development of the City of Nanaimo part of the program.

Building on the theme of limitations and planning for the future, Cowichan Valley Chair Jon Lefebure noted there is an engine of development. “We have to think about how to operate that engine differently, We must focus on preserving what we have that provides our qualtiy of life. Moving foward from today, I would like the political leadership of Vancouver Island to be more proactive.”

“Through the Urban Containment Boundary, we have avoided urban sprawl and we are doing our best to do what is right; and that is why the RDN Board is both supporting and partnering with CAVI. As a Board, we believe it is our job to protect the quality of life values that attract people to Vancouver Island,” stated Joe Stanhope, Chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo.

The morning venue was the Freshwater Eco-Centre in Duncan. The afternoon venue was O.U.R. Ecovillage near Shawnigan Lake. “Given that the Cowichan River is the lifeblood of the Cowichan Valley, it was especially appropriate to host the morning session at the Freshwater Eco-Centre which serves an important outreach and educational function”, stated Kate Miller.

“Like most other areas on Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is at a major cross-roads as to how we will develop and still maintain the natural beauty of our community. This is a real challenge.We are experiencing phenomenal growth. So we are really depending on the practitioners to keep us grounded and realistic so that growth will be sustainable,” stated Starr Winchester, Chair of the Comox-Strathcona Regional District.

“The Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation program was launched in May 2006 in the Greater Vancouver region as a provincial pilot, and was an instant success. In 2007, there will be events on Vancouver Island and in Greater Vancouver on alternating Fridays throughout September and October,” stated Paul Ham, Chair of the Green Infrastructure Partnership.