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“The regional team approach is exciting because it will enable us to set a direction,” stated Marvin Kamenz. “We have the tools. We have the knowledge. Now we all need is the formal mandate to get on with watershed-based land use planning. There is an array of planning tools to select from, including the Development Permit Area. It is a matter of how to strategically apply the appropriate tool to achieve the desired outcome. So the key is being clear on what we wish to accomplish, and then explaining to the public why we are doing it.”

“Water issues are complex and best solved collaboratively, which include using strategies and solutions that fall outside government control. While legislative reform is a foundation piece, collaboration takes place outside the legislative framework. At the end of the day, planners and engineers and other disciplines must come together to determine the issues and solutions. No statute will help them do that,” stated Lynn Kriwoken. “This is why we constantly emphasize that Living Water Smart is about motivating and inspiring everyone to embrace shared responsibility.”

“The one market way-of-thinking resonated with those who participated in Seminar #1. It makes sense that mid-Island communities have choices. Knowing this, it means we can establish expectations as to what we want and what we will accept from developers,” stated Geoff Garbutt. “Because it is one market, the Comox Valley can really differentiate itself with our strong environmental focus and our emphasis on quality of place. Because we can pick and choose, we can position the Comox Valley to be a region of choice for the right development in the right place.”

The presentation by Tim Pringle about land development on Vancouver Island is a foundation stone for the 2009 Series. Based on his research into what drives settlement, he has concluded that the mid-Island region is a common market from a real estate development perspective. “This one market concept suggests that communities can choose from among development proposals, and can therefore control their destinies,” stated Tim Pringle.

“To be successful, we all need to work outside our normal boundaries; and we need to proactively communicate and work with others. We need to think of ourselves as a team; getting there means we will have to break down boundaries through communication, collaboration, cooperation and coordination. In the Comox Valley we have talked the talk and now it is time to do the walking. ‘The converted’ are saying, show us the way and we will follow,” stated Derek Richmond.

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.”