“The phrase ‘water for life and livelihoods’ conveys the principles of sustainability of natural systems in their own right and in relation to the health and wellbeing of people who benefit from the use of water for basic life needs and economic activity,” states Tim Pringle.
“The outcome of a landscape-based and action-oriented process is a truly integrated plan to restore watershed function over time. Agree on the vision. Set the targets. Provide planners with the detail necessary to guide site level decisions as opportunities arise. Then implement,” states Jody Watson,
Flagship project will transform a section of Bowker Creek from a degraded, highly urbanized creek into a naturally functioning water environment.
Established by the Provincial Government in 2006, the vision of the Living Rivers Trust Fund is to create a legacy for British Columbia based on healthy watersheds, sustainable ecosystems and thriving communities. “Initially, Living Rivers and the Partnership will collaborate with local governments and others within the boundaries of the Nanaimo Regional District and Cowichan Valley Regional District to advance Convening for Action in the Mid-Island Region. Collaboration will enable us to advance a shared vision for settlement change in balance with natural ecosystems,” stated Alan Lill.
Mark Carney was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada in 2008. In addition to his duties as Governor, he serves as Chairman of the international Financial Stability Board (FSB).
The proposed ‘water balance’ pilot study would evaluate the effects of development and climate change scenarios on surface and groundwater levels feeding Englishman River. Councillor Sue Powell moved that the offer be referred to staff for review and to obtain input from the Official Community Plan consultant and report back to Council. The pilot study will address the WATER FOOTPRINT – that is, how land development modifies the water cycle; and more particularly, the role of ground cover and how water enters and goes through the land.
“The OCP is high-level in creating a ‘vision and goals’ through a community consultation process. Therefore, a desired outcome from the Partnership’s perspective is that the OCP Review would simply incorporate appropriate language that connects the dots to Living Water Smart, British Columbia’s Water Plan,” stated Kim Stephens. “While other local governments have referenced Living Water Smart in their regulatory and/or guidance documents, the City of Parksville has the opportunity to be the first to actually embed the vision for Living Water Smart.”
“The City supports the joint research and information-sharing project related to the science of ‘living water smart’ on the Englishman River. However, since staff resources are very limited to participate with this initiative, a consensus was reached to link the project’s objectives with the new Official Community Plan,” wrote Blaine Russell. “City collaboration with the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and their partners will inform the OCP review process on the general topics of groundwater science, aquatic ecosystem health, living water smart, and the water balance model.”
In February 2012, Parksville City Council authorized staff to proceed with a collaborative effort that had been initiated by the BC Conservation Foundation on behalf of Living Rivers and the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. “The City invited us to provide an overview on the topics of groundwater science, aquatic ecosystem health and the web-based Water Balance Model. This invitation opened the door to explaining the significance and relevance of the Inter-Regional Education Initiative, and how Parksville can benefit from participation,” stated Craig Wightman.
“The vision for the BC Regional Adaptation Collaborative is to enhance resilience to a changing climate and the anticipated, related impacts on water and aquatic ecosystems. Project activities have led to recommendations and actions for improved policies, practices and plans, as well as tools,” stated Jim Vanderwaal. The RACs Program provided funding for the Primer on Integrated Rainwater and Groundwater Management for Lands on Vancouver Island and Beyond, released in April 2012 by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC and the Living Rivers Trust.
