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“In 2012, an inter-governmental working group with staff from municipalities, Metro Vancouver, and Ministry of Environment was tasked with developing a weight-of-evidence performance measurement approach that would be available to all member municipalities The Adaptive Management Framework is meant to be a ‘living document’, adaptively managed itself, and updated as required to reflect advances in stormwater/rainwater management, monitoring techniques, and to build on the accumulated experience of stakeholders in the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan process,” stated Andjela Knezevic-Stevanovic.

In April 2013, a Partnership presentation to Surrey Council provided the opportunity to reflect on the historical and provincial significance of successive transformational events hosted by the City over the previous decade. “Once we know what we want our watersheds and neighbourhoods to look like, the next step is to decide what the tools are that will get us there. All of us – regulators, developers or designers – need to understand and care about the goal if we are to create the future that we all want,” states Vincent Lalonde.

“In 2013, the IREI is moving from ‘proof of approach’ on Vancouver Island to full-scale implementation, including Metro Vancouver and beyond. Inter-regional collaboration will help leverage more with the same resources. Everyone will be able to better deliver on regulatory objectives and compliance,” states Derek Richmond.

“Our emphasis is on the ‘what would it look like’ details of implementation and integration. Inter-regional collaboration will result in alignment and a consistent approach to rainwater management in a watershed sustainability context. This will help everyone to go farther, more efficiently and effectively,” states Tim Pringle.

“Collaboration among Vancouver Island local governments, Metro Vancouver, and member municipalities has grown steadily. The initiative provides a framework for consistent application of tools and understanding on both sides of the Georgia Basin. Everyone benefits from sharing information and experiences,” states Kim Stephens.

“I was the Ministry of Environment guy who was actually trying to enforce environmental regulations here on Vancouver Island. It became obvious to me that to go after land development violations, one guilty plea at a time, just was not going to make a difference. We needed another approach,” stated Peter Law.

“Asset management usually commences after something is built. The challenge is to think about what asset management entails BEFORE the asset is built. Cost-avoidance is a driver for this ‘new business as usual’. This paradigm-shift starts with land use and watershed-based planning, to determine what services can be provided affordably,” states Glen Brown.

“The Ministry looks forward to aligning efforts with the Partnership to further advance implementation of the “Beyond the Guidebook” initiative. Inter-regional collaboration is the pathway to a consistent approach to water sustainability and green infrastructure policies and practices up and down the east coast of Vancouver Island,” stated Cairine MacDonald.

“By aligning efforts, CAVI and VIEA can help build strong communities and ensure that careful stewardship of the Island’s natural resources is preserved,” stated George Hanson.