Category:

“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.

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.

“So, why collaboration? Here are the key words – affordable and effective. This is what it is all about. Money is not unlimited,” emphasized Kim Stephens. “So what is the goal of collaboration? We are talking about standards of practice, whether those practices be engineering or planning. They have to be affordable and effective. Where we are trying to get to is a healthy watershed with healthy streams.”

“We know the importance of watersheds, not only for producing our own water, but also for sustainability of the environment generally.Speaking as one of the communities involved in the collaborative effort for Bowker, I can attest for the need for collaboration in these kinds of situations; and also the success that can come out of collaborative efforts,” stated Nils Jensen.

“Local governments will benefit from the information sharing between four Vancouver Island regional districts, learn from the experiences of the other regional districts, and be able to participate in workshops delivered locally and elsewhere on Vancouver Island,” stated Glenn Harris.

“Participation would support the Corporate Strategic Plan Goals to develop an environmental education plan with a focus on water, biodiversity and climate change; and ti develop water planning policies to guide community planning and development practices,” noted Mayor Jon Lefebure, Chair of the Regional Services Committee.