“The nexus has not received the national research and policy attention that it deserves. The blueprint has brought together voices from both the energy and the water communities to outline what now needs to be done,” stated Mary Ann Dickinson.
Mayor Nutter explained that Philadelphia has developed a US $1.6 bllion plan to transform the city by 'peeling back' a lot of the city’s concrete and asphalt and replacing them with plants.
“Do you or your organization have responsibilities in the planning and management of watersheds or water resources in British Columbia? Would you like to know more about current water-related challenges and opportunities? The guide offers a primer on 10 different types of water and watershed planning processes to manage water supply and demand; protect drinking water quality; and better integrate water, land and watersheds,” states Steve Litke.
“This project is a key part of West Vancouver’s ongoing long-term plan to supply our own high quality drinking water. We are proud partners with the provincial and federal governments in the provision of this essential public resource,” stated West Vancouver Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.
“The implications of this study regarding standards for development are truly sobering. Our touch must be as light as those builders who used to prepare land with hand tools,” states Tom Holz.
The Council envisions that the Alberta Water Authority would report to the Environment Minister, but would have clear and independent governance, sanctioned by statute. It would be funded through a regulated levy on water allocation. It would provide input into policy development, and serve as the single entity with oversight for water management.
“Sooke is proud of its natural environment. And as the first community in British Columbia to integrate both rainwater and sanitary in a liquid waste management plan, we now have the tools to protect the watersheds and the Sooke Harbour and Basin for future generations,” stated Mayor Janet Evans.
“The bill is based on applying a standard that is already required for the construction of federal buildings – which requires maintaining a site as natural as possible to keep water from leaving the site – to federally funded highway and road projects. Projects must include technologies to infiltrate and manage stormwater onsite so that runoff pollution to local streams, rivers, and drinking water supplies doesn’t increase after construction,” says Stacey Detwiler.
Tom Holz (Washington State):
The implications of this study regarding standards for development are truly sobering. Our touch must be as light as those builders who used to prepare land with hand tools.
“Across the country, governments, decision makers, civil society, and people from across sectors are realizing the critical importance of clean, accessible fresh water, and the need for innovative solutions to the governance challenges facing this vital resource,” states Oliver Brandes.
