“While the B.C. government continues to act on ‘Living Water Smart’ – which is our vision and plan for keeping our water healthy and secure for the future – what the Province does is only part of the solution. Local and regional groups like the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council are stepping up and demonstrating leadership throughout the province,” stated Environment Minister Terry Lake.
“We are CONNECTING THE DOTS between land use planning, development, watershed health AND infrastructure asset management. Those operating in the local government setting can now access tools and experience that will enable them to make a difference. The approach is keyed to three words: ALIGNMENT, COLLABORATION, INTEGRATION,” stated Kim Stephens.
“The Water Sustainability Act will help lighten BC’s water footprint and transition the province to a 'design with nature' way of developing land and managing water,” stated Tim Pringle.
“It’s important now that we realize that water policy and effective improvement of the way we manage water is not merely a government strategy anymore— it has to be a broader societal commitment which includes the average citizen who has an interest in what’s happening in his or her watershed,” says Bob Sandford.
“The Action Plan is a key element of the implementation strategy for Living Water Smart. In a nutshell, we are providing program delivery in a local government setting. Beyond the Guidebook 2010 shows how to achieve water sustainability through outcome-oriented urban watershed plans. The stories of how change is being implemented demonstrate that the practitioner and community culture is changing as an outcome of collaboration and partnerships,” stated Kim Stephens.
