LIVING WATER SMART IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: “History reminds us that seasons of civic decay and renewal are not new,” wrote Diane Kalen-Sukra, internationally recognized thought leader, author, and former municipal CAO in British Columbia
Note to Reader:
Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. Stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective (REPRODUCED BELOW), and the Story Behind the Story.
The edition published on May 19, 2026 features Diane Kalen-Sukra’s new book, Lead with Civility. For the Partnership, this isn’t just a handbook; it provides the philosophical context we need to fulfill our intergenerational mission. In practice, mentorship and respect are the bridge between different age groups that ensures hard-fought knowledge is never lost.
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE / CONTEXT FOR BUSY READER –
by Kim Stephens
“The election of Donald Trump to the US presidency opened a Pandora’s box,” stated Kim Stephens, Waterbucket eNews Editor and Partnership Executive Director. “The cascading impact of his uncivility spilled across the US-British Columbia border and has poisoned our well. Over the past decade, the consequences of incivility have been playing out in the world of local government. Now what?”
NOW WHAT: Out of the ashes comes renewal
“History reminds us that seasons of civic decay and renewal are not new, writes Diane Kalen-Sukra. Based on what I am observing, local government is at a tipping point. Could Lead with Civility be the spark that catalyzes action to turn the cultural tide?”
“Turning the tide is not easy. The challenge is to overcome amnesia and inertia. It takes effort and energy to get everyone moving in the right direction. But once you do, anything is possible! This was Lower Mainland experience a generation ago (refer to chart). If it happened once, it could happen again. It is all about creating a movement that builds momentum,” concludes Kim Stephens,
To Learn More:
Waterbucket eNews stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective and Context for Busy Reader, and the Story Behind the Story. To read the complete 3-part storyline, download a PDF copy of Living Water Smart in British Columbia: Lead with Civility to Turn the Cultural Tide Together.
DOWNLOAD A COPY: https://waterbucket.ca/wscblog/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/sites/8/2026/05/PWSBC_Living-Water-Smart_Lead-with-Civility-book-by-Diane-Kalen-Sukra_2026.pdf