“The financial burden and environmental impacts associated with ‘pipe-and-convey’ drainage infrastructure contrast with the benefits of ‘green’ infrastructure: natural landscape-based assets reduce runoff volumes, have lower life-cycle costs, decrease stresses applied to creeks, and enhance urban liveability,” states Jim Dumontt.
Settlement and ecology are equal values and they must be as much in balance as possible for wellbeing of human and natural systems. It is in our best interests to learn about both sides of the balance….if we are to ensure that settlement change results in benefits exceeding liabilities at the site, community and regional scales,” states Tim Pringle.
“My hope is that the audience will understand the challenges that the Town faces, and will be primed to contribute their practical experience and ideas during the town-hall session. We wish to explore how the Town can establish and implement achievable rainfall capture and runoff control targets,” states Glenn Westendorp.
“The spotlight will be on the existing unfunded ‘infrastructure liability’, and why all those involved in land development have a role to play in Sustainable Service Delivery. A desired outcome is that participants will understand why there is a link between infrastructure asset management and protection of a community’s natural assets,” states Shelley Ashfield.
“History shows that local governments are very good at planning ahead, but not-so-good at looking ahead – for example: The initial capital cost of municipal infrastructure is about 20% of the life-cycle cost. The other 80% is an unfunded liability, and is increasing year after year,” states Glenn Westendorp.
“The term Sustainable Service Delivery describes a life-cycle way of thinking about infrastructure needs and how to pay for those needs over time. The link between asset management and the protection of a community’s natural resources is emerging as an important piece in Sustainable Service Delivery,” states Glen Brown.
“Infrastructure Liability is a driver for a change in the way local governments plan, finance, implement and over time replace infrastructure. The focus of the 2011 Series is on why and how all those involved in land development have a role to play in achieving Sustainable Service Delivery,” states Derek Richmond.
“The Regional Growth Strategy and Sustainability Strategy together provide a starting point for making better long-term decisions. Both strategies look to the future and both strategies are about improving the quality of life and the environment in Comox Valley,” reports Michael Zbarsky.
“Working with local government from the beginning of the development concept will ensure the big picture is kept in mind and will give perspective for the smaller, individual initiatives. Long-term operations and maintenance liabilities associated with infrastructure can then be reduced or minimized,” states Nancy Hofer.
