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The second in the set of three seminars elaborated on a Water OUT = Water IN framework for achieving water sustainability, coupled with a design with nature approach to climate change adaptation. “Lessons learned by the Regional District of Nanaimo and Metro Vancouver in undertaking bold water-centric planning initiatives will be shared. A desired outcome is that participants will understand WHAT alignment of regional processes with local actions looks like,” stated Marc Rutten.

“Stories provide a focus. Our vision is that everyone will learn from the sharing of stories. The members of the Comox Valley team will report out on their efforts to date and we will see where the conversation goes. We are also encouraging participants from beyond the Comox Valley to tell their stories,” states Kim Stephens. “Our hope is that the telling of the RDN and Metro Vancouver stories will help participants connect the dots to their individual situations. In this way, we believe the RDN and Metro Vancouver hours can inform and/or set the scene for the Town Hall Sharing Session.”

“Seminar #2 had an inter-regional focus, with the goal of sharing and learning from stories about bold water-centric planning initiatives on both sides of the Georgia Basin. The session introduced a Water OUT = Water IN framework for achieving water sustainability; and coupled this with a design with nature approach to climate change adaptation,” stated Derek Richmond. Representatives of Metro Vancouver, Regional District of Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley Regional District, City of Nanaimo and City of Campbell River shared their experiences.

“I wanted to give some history to give context for where we are at on Vancouver Island. So, when I say…CAVI, Mission Possible…I am using the context of John Muir, one voice, and what can be accomplished when a visionary and a decision maker come together with a shared vision,” stated Eric Bonham. “I used the John Muir example because I want to ground this discussion about what we can do on Vancouver Island. John Muir said when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. This is the approach that we are taking with CAVI.”

“Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island are learning from each other, and are moving in the same direction,” stated Ed von Euw. “Through the advisory Reference Panel process, Vancouver Island experience has informed and influenced elements of Metro Vancouver’s updated plan, in particular those actions that will advance a regional team approach. In its Final Report, the Reference Panel cited the Comox Valley Learning Lunch Seminar Series as an example that reinforces the approach to integration embraced by Metro Vancouver.”