Water-Centric Planning

Evidence of the impact of climate change on the earth’s hydrological cycle is mounting in many regions of the world, in the form of increased frequency of floods, droughts and other water hazards and changes in long-term trends in precipitation.

The Surrey Forum is a first step in advancing a regional team approach to rainwater management and green infrastructure that will align local actions in Metro Vancouver with provincial goals as stated in Living Water Smart, BC’s Water Plan. “We are adapting the experience gained and the lessons learned from the Vancouver Island pilot program. We envision that the Surrey Forum will be a transformational event and a catalyst for action ,” stated Raymond Fung.

To demonstrate the potential for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, UBC researchers have developed the technology to capture phosphorus and ammonia from high concentration streams and recycle them into environmentally safe fertilizer. “The UBC research effort has been all about producing a sustainable and marketable fertilizer; and we have succeeded! We have demonstrated that we can produce a slow-release and non-burning fertilizer from sewage,” stated Dr. Don Mavinic.

“When we met with elected representatives in July 2008 to present our assessment of the Metro Vancouver’s strategy document, we endorsed the proposed Goals, Strategies and Action Strategies…and with suggestions to make it stronger. At that time we also challenged Metro Vancouver to provide visionary leadership, focusing on protecting the marine environmetn and recovering resources from our waste. In meeting with REAC we wanted to challenge them to show leadership as well,” stated Christianne Wilhelmson.

In early March 2009, the British Columbia Ground Water Association will be holding its 39th Annual Trade Show & Convention in Penticton.

The Santa Cruz River that once flowed through Tucson, Arizona is today a sad mirage of a river. Except for brief periods following heavy rainfall, it is bone dry. The river is dead. What happened? Where did the water go?

“The key is to focus on what you want to do. Because many factors are in play, the objective is to build in resiliency to address risk. We have to know where we want to go. Then we can figure out the steps to get there. To adapt water supply systems, the question boils down to: how much water do we need, and how can we make efficient use of what is available?,” says Kim Stephens.

“We made a commitment to have a vision for clean energy and to put into play policies that would move us forward in that direction. This report by the Canada West Foundation reinforces what we’ve been saying and doing for some time now,” says Richard Neufeld.

The Metro Vancoouver LWMP Reference Panel is a community advisory group that brings expert knowledge and relevant experience in liquid waste/resource and rainwater management. The Reference Panel has a blend of technical, legal, scientific, academic, business, industry and community perspectives and values. “The Reference Panel will provide input on the discussion documents and on the subsequent Draft Plans,” stated Board Chair Lois Jackson.

Water Connections is a program designed to realize the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds' vision of a national water information resource that will facilitate cooperation and collaboration among Canada's water community. Our mission is to develop and implement a web-based water information portal designed to provide users with centralized access to a nationwide collection of water data, resources, contacts and other pertinent information.