Vancouver Island Water

“As we look ahead to where we want to be in 2010, we envision that the 2009 Series will provide us with the springboard to achieve integration of current Comox Valley regional initiatives in subsequent phases of collaboration. To build momentum for what we need to accomplish in 2010, the unifying theme as we evolve the regional team approach can be succinctly expressed as: what all the plans will achieve,” stated Kevin Lagan.

“Community values that are focused on the ultimate goal of settlement in balance with ecology ought to direct decisions on development proposals. And if communities align their efforts to achieve a shared vision, this will go a long way to determining what Vancouver Island as a whole will look like in 50 years,” stated Tim Pringle. “The tag-line, ‘one market, from Cobble Hill to Campbell River’, is our synthesis of what we have been exposed to over the past three years, the many conversations that we have had and heard, and what our research tells us.”

“Development activity and population growth is putting extreme pressure on our regional water resources, both in terms of protecting water supply sources and preventing rainwater runoff impacts in streams and rivers,” stated Michael Zbarsky. “In 2009, the weather extremes and the resulting impacts on the Comox Lake water supply have highlighted concerns about the way we develop and service communities. The good news is that climate impacts on the water cycle have at least created a teachable moment for water-centric planning.”

“Nature has no borders; it does not recognize political or philosophical boundaries and it is essential for the health of human and non-human communities alike,” stated Jack Minard. “To view nature in this way represents not a ‘special interest’ approach but a modern advance in civil society. We are realizing that the current loss of ecosystems and biodiversity cannot continue, yet pressures to develop land for human use are placing huge demands on what remains.”

“The regional team approach is exciting because it will enable us to set a direction,” stated Marvin Kamenz. “We have the tools. We have the knowledge. Now we all need is the formal mandate to get on with watershed-based land use planning. There is an array of planning tools to select from, including the Development Permit Area. It is a matter of how to strategically apply the appropriate tool to achieve the desired outcome. So the key is being clear on what we wish to accomplish, and then explaining to the public why we are doing it.”

“Water issues are complex and best solved collaboratively, which include using strategies and solutions that fall outside government control. While legislative reform is a foundation piece, collaboration takes place outside the legislative framework. At the end of the day, planners and engineers and other disciplines must come together to determine the issues and solutions. No statute will help them do that,” stated Lynn Kriwoken. “This is why we constantly emphasize that Living Water Smart is about motivating and inspiring everyone to embrace shared responsibility.”

“The one market way-of-thinking resonated with those who participated in Seminar #1. It makes sense that mid-Island communities have choices. Knowing this, it means we can establish expectations as to what we want and what we will accept from developers,” stated Geoff Garbutt. “Because it is one market, the Comox Valley can really differentiate itself with our strong environmental focus and our emphasis on quality of place. Because we can pick and choose, we can position the Comox Valley to be a region of choice for the right development in the right place.”

The presentation by Tim Pringle about land development on Vancouver Island is a foundation stone for the 2009 Series. Based on his research into what drives settlement, he has concluded that the mid-Island region is a common market from a real estate development perspective. “This one market concept suggests that communities can choose from among development proposals, and can therefore control their destinies,” stated Tim Pringle.

“To be successful, we all need to work outside our normal boundaries; and we need to proactively communicate and work with others. We need to think of ourselves as a team; getting there means we will have to break down boundaries through communication, collaboration, cooperation and coordination. In the Comox Valley we have talked the talk and now it is time to do the walking. ‘The converted’ are saying, show us the way and we will follow,” stated Derek Richmond.

The second in the set of three seminars elaborated on a Water OUT = Water IN framework for achieving water sustainability, coupled with a design with nature approach to climate change adaptation. “Lessons learned by the Regional District of Nanaimo and Metro Vancouver in undertaking bold water-centric planning initiatives will be shared. A desired outcome is that participants will understand WHAT alignment of regional processes with local actions looks like,” stated Marc Rutten.