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“On behalf of the Metro Vancouver Utilities Committee, I invited Kim Stephens to provide us with an update on inter-regional collaboration through the participation of five regional districts in the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative,” stated Mayor Darrell Mussatto, Chair. In 2017-2018, federal-provincial funding enabled the Partnership to move forward with three parallel initiatives that have further strengthened the ‘twin pillars’ of the IREI.

“The Partnership for Water Sustainability brings together, and supports the efforts of, local and regional governments across BC. It’s overarching goal is to provide tools to help organizations achieve their water sustainability goals, and opportunities for shared learning. The IREI is an outstanding example of this shared learning approach, and is endorsed by 5 Regional Boards, representing 75% of the population in BC,” stated Randy Alexander.

“It is evident that there are many champions in local government; and it is important that we recognize and celebrate what they are doing. This is all part of creating our future. And when we ask ‘what will this community look like in 50 years’, we can point to the green infrastructure examples and then we will know what it will look like in 50 years,” stated Mayor Lois Jackson.

The Capital Regional District has undergone a transition, from ‘stormwater-based thinking’ that is narrowly focussed, to ‘watershed-based thinking’ that is holistic in approach. Judy Brownoff, Chair of the Environmental Committee, welcomed Kim Stephens and invited him to update the members about the CRD chapter in Beyond the Guidebook 2015. CRD experience shows that local governments can foster a new ‘Land Ethic’ through Integrated Watershed Management Strategies.

“The initiative is a unique format for Georgia Basin local governments to learn from each other by sharing approaches and successes in managing our water resources. The program will integrate natural systems and climate change thinking into asset management, as well as demonstrate how local governments can progress along the ‘asset management continuum’ to achieve the goal of sustainable service delivery for watershed systems,” stated Brian Carruthers.

“Support of the initiative enables CRD participation in a coordinated inter-regional information-sharing process. Local governments will benefit from the information sharing between four Vancouver Island regional districts and Metro Vancouver, learn from the experiences of the other regional districts and be able to participate in workshops delivered locally and elsewhere on Vancouver Island,” stated Dale Green.

“The Inter-Regional Education Initiative, known by the acronym IREI, is closely linked to CAVI – Convening for Action on Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley CAVI team facilitates collaboration at the regional level, and IREI connects the regions for inter-regional collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, policies and approaches for rainwater management and more recently, asset management,” wrote Kris La Rose.

“The initiative focuses on education, collaboration and sharing of ideas and experiences on water sustainability, rainwater management best practices and more recently with a focus on asset management. By increasing our knowledge and understanding we will reduce potential impacts and adapt successfully to new conditions,” wrote Mike Donnelly.

In his report to the Board, Fred Nenninger wrote that “The Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative helps Metro Vancouver and its members better deliver on regulatory commitments and actions identified in the ‘rainwater component’ of the Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan. The program builds local government capacity through professional development.”

According to Mayor Darrell Mussatto, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Utilities Committee, the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative will help Metro Vancouver fulfil specific actions in the region’s Integrated Liquid Waste & Resource Management Plan regarding performance standards, codes of practice, certification and guidelines for on-site rainwater management.