“To see salmon return to Still Creek after so many decades has been incredibly exciting, especially given that just a few decades ago, this stream was widely viewed as one of Canada’s most polluted waterways. Quite simply, the events that have unfolded on Still Creek highlight the fact that we should never give up on any river,” states Mark Angelo.
“Four regional districts, representing 90% of the Vancouver Island population, have aligned efforts to implement the IREI. The IREI is providing local governments with the tools and understanding they need to change our land ethic for the better. The IREI is about integrating the Site with the Watershed and Stream,” reports Derek Richmond.
“The research shows that when the ecological linkages between energy production and water sustainability are ignored, there are potentially significant and dire consequences. Equally so, when both water and energy are given due consideration, many positive opportunities reveal themselves,” states OLiver Brandes.
“There are many reasons for changing our approach to rainwater,” states Anna Warwick Sears. “Making simple shifts to what we do around the house can save on irrigation water, and keep our streams and lakes clean and healthy. This saves money and energy for water treatment. It’s funny, but something as ordinary as mulching your yard is a progressive, personal way to make a difference for water in your community. I encourage other regions to adapt this guide and customize it for their areas. We are distributing them to the public at the front counter of building departments, and they are going like hotcakes!”
“Preparing for and responding to climate change impacts will, in most communities, engage a wide range of existing tools, local government services and responsibilities. Wherever possible, this Guide provides concrete examples, drawing on the growing experience of local governments in BC, and also some examples from outside the province. Many of the strategies that can help to address a changing climate are also good practices that will benefit communities regardless of the climate change impacts they face,” states Deborah Carlson.
“The Guidebook is an important element in a regional response to our changing climate. We can expect wetter winters, and longer and drier summers. There is already a sense of urgency because our region is experiencing dropping water levels in certain areas, and ecosystems are stressed.Our goal in promoting rainwater harvesting is to reduce the volume of groundwater drawn from aquifers during dry summer months. This will have several beneficial outcomes: sustaining critical baseflow in streams; preventing saltwater intrusion; and increasing residents’ self-sufficiency,” stated Chris Midgley
“The Express integrates three pre-set performance targets using a methodology developed by Jim Dumont, Engineering Applications Authority for the Express. These are watershed-specific and link rainfall to stream health. This frees users to focus solely on selecting rainfall capture measures that will achieve their specific pre-set targets for storage, infiltration and stream baseflow sustenance. The underlying technical approach is precedent-setting,” explains Dr. Charles Rowney.
“The IREI provides the framework for consistent messaging and consistent application of tools and understanding on both sides of the Georgia Basin. A guiding principle is that local governments will leverage more with the same resources. The Partnership is asking the Metro Vancouver region to formalize its support for inter-regional collaboration. Then the IREI truly will be the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Educational Initiative,” stated Kim Stephens,.
“Deep, rich topsoil is a giant sponge for water – slowly releasing moisture as the plants grow. It captures rain so you don’t have to irrigate as often. And it reduces run-off. Here in the Okanagan, we use 3 to 4 times as much water for our lawns and landscaping than for all our indoor uses combined. If we can reduce the waste, and “Make Water Work,” it leaves more water for fish, more for growing local food and wine, and cuts our water costs. What’s not to love about that?”, states Anna Warwick Sears.
“I have been involved in engineering for a long, long time and will soon be retiring. In the olden days, we would just pipe water away, and we would not think twice about it. In the latter part of my career, I have been part of a great team that has looked at rainfall differently and shares a vision for what the Bowker Creek watershed can be again. The ‘blueprint for action’ is a perfect example of working with others to improve watershed health long-term, and I am proud to have been part of creating it,” states Steve Fifield.
