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“K’ómoks First Nation believes in partnerships, particularly when partnerships involve like-minded groups that share similar vision. It is in this spirit that we are happy to sign this collaborative agreement with the City of Courtenay and Project Watershed on behalf of our membership for the management and restoration of Kus-kus-sum,” states Chief Councillor Nicole Rempel, K’ómoks First Nation. “Restoring this cultural and historically significant site is a vision KFN shares with Project Watershed and the City of Courtenay. KFN’s interest in the site is largely based on its strong cultural significance.”

“The Field Sawmill was once the economic heart of the Comox Valley. It employed hundreds of people directly, and was the centrepiece of the local forest industry,” wrote Tim Ennis. “The Comox Valley Project Watershed Society and the K’ómoks First Nation share a dream for the future of the Field Sawmill site. Known to the K’ómoks people as Kus-kus-sum, the property holds deep significance. They are working to find a conservation solution to this complex real estate problem.”

“During many years, there has no longer been enough water to support the varied needs of fish, local residents, industry and other users. By 2050 critical snow pack is projected to decrease by 85%, reducing lake inflows in the spring and early summer. This will be compounded by a reduction in summer rainfall of 17%,” said Jon Lefebure, Cowichan Valley Regional District Board Chair. “Further, water storage to support continued flow in most years will not be possible in the future without additional storage and adjusted management regimes.”

“Within weeks of the formation of the committee being announced, I was introduced to the work of the Partnership for Water Sustainability, and so I attended their Feast ‘n Famine Symposium in December 2015. How I view water was transformed by the experience. I was energized,” stated Lynne Smith. “It became clear to me that there was more to ‘water’ than just making sure it arrives in our pipes; and this realization has since guided us as a community group. Water is not just about taxation, but rather the very essence that sustains our existence!”

The excitement and energy generated by the 2017 Comox Valley Eco-Asset Symposium has helped to move forward the long-term vision for transforming a decommissioned sawmill site on the Courtenay River into a valuable habitat corridor that could also transform the city’s most troublesome flood liabilities into an eco-asset corridor for the whole community. “The Comox Valley is approaching a watershed moment in land restoration, and all of British Columbia can learn some important lessons here,” states Vanessa Scott.

“When those who wish to make the world a better place turn to big data and related breakthroughs in deeper communication in support of common understanding of issue such as water and water-related climate concerns, we find that we have arrived too late,’ stated Bob Sandford. “This space has already hijacked by the inevitable forces of power and greed. The public mind is already being heavily manipulated toward other ends. This is also why there has been a widespread resurgence of carefully orchestrated climate denial.”

“The ‘sponge city’ metaphor is powerful and inspirational. As such, China, Berlin and Philadelphia are demonstrating that when there is a will, there is a way. Still, take a moment to reflect upon their drivers for action – floods and droughts! They have learned the hard way that what happens on the land matters. And now, the ‘new normal’ of frequently recurring extremes has forced them to tackle the consequences of not respecting the water cycle,” stated Kim Stephens.

“The Streamkeepers Program brought about the ability for regular people to learn about their streams, and to use science-based protocols to map and monitor their local waterways. People took to the program like ducks to water. Soon groups were popping up across Pacific Region and the community was seeing first-hand the changes in their watershed. And they started to talk about it, to their neighbours, friends and family, and to governments at all levels. And because it was fun, more people joined,” stated Zo Ann Morten.

“I have some Good News, some Bad News and some Ugly News about Shelly Creek. The good news is that the creek provides limited but valuable habitat for Coho and Trout populations. The bad news is that water quality in the fall, specifically it’s turbidity values are the highest in Oceanside. The ugly news is that the stream channel is suffering from severe erosion and low summer flows,” stated Peter Law. “So can we put the Genie back in the bottle? Can we restore stream flows to natural conditions? Yes.”

“The RDN coordinates a surface water quality sampling program in partnership with 13 stewardship groups, Ministry of Environment and Island Timberlands to expand ability to track watershed trends, inform planning and programs, and raise watershed awareness,” stated Julie Pisani. “Through this surface water quality monitoring program we have been able to use citizen science as a way to build community engagement and foster trust amongst partners.”