“Watershed Moments began as an annual symposia series. In 2020, however, the COVID pandemic changed everything. The Partnership pivoted and reimagined an approach that combined elements of a TED Talk with Zoom and YouTube technology. The result is a set of legacy video educational resources that showcase stories that the Partnership hopes will inspire collaboration for some time to come,” stated Kim Stephens, Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability, and Editor of Waterbucket eNews.

“The foregoing statement provides context for the Watershed Moments Team Award which recognizes individuals whose extraordinary contributions and accomplishments serve to elevate recognition of ecosystem values and benefits; and advance their integration within the built environment.”

“The Watershed Moments Award honours the outstanding legacy of the late Rob Lawrance (1964-2022). He was a founding member of the team in 2018. In the 1990s, Rob was the first Executive Director of the Cowichan Land Trust. He then had a 20-year career in local government as Environmental Planner with the City of Nanaimo.”

“Rob Lawrance had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and people with ‘place’, as does Kate Miller of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Kate is the inaugural recipient of the Watershed Moments Team Award. Just like Rob did throughout his career, Kate champions the embedding of ecosystem values within municipal planning, processes and projects,” concluded Kim Stephens.