SHIFTING CURRENTS: rethinking our relationships with water

Note to Reader:

“Shifting Currents” is the theme for the 2016 annual conference of the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA). The program features a presentation by Kim Stephens on Beyond the Guidebook 2015: Moving Towards “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”, released in November 2015 by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC. The Shifting Currents Conference is being held in Vancouver from March 31st to April 2nd.

2016 conference will introduce landscape architects to“Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”

New Paradigm_Mar2016

Rethinking our Relationships with Water

“The goal of the 2016 BCSLA Conference is to examine the influence water has in all aspects of our lives and landscapes and the potential consequences climate change will have in our relationship with, reaction to, and management of water in our landscapes,” reports Tara Culham, BCSLA Executive Director.“Growing demands for water and the ramifications of climate change are having great influence on our relationships with, access to, and use of water in our lives and landscapes. Last year’s water use restrictions in many BC urban areas, with projected tighter restrictions this year, are but one example of the shifting circumstances that landscape architects and other professionals need to consider in the planning, development, and maintenance of projects, infrastructure, and landscapes.”

Restoration of Watershed Health by Design

Al Neufeld_Langley_120pWe have placed the presentation on Beyond the Guidebook 2015 at a prime time and have scheduled it for the largest meeting space. We value the breadth of experience and perspective that Kim Stephens (Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability) will bring to our conference,” states Al Neufeld, BCSLA President-Elect & Conference Co-Chair. He is a manager in the Recreation, Culture and Parks Division at Langley Township.

“Conference attendees practise in both public and private realms. It would be valuable to introduce conference attendees to the findings of Beyond the Guidebook 2015 and what is necessary for us as design professionals to contribute to the restoration of watershed health wherever we are practising.”“Part C of the report would have particular relevance to the Landscape Architects in the room. Highlighting success stories of green infrastructure innovation will also motivate conference attendees to use new tools and perspectives in upcoming projects.

To Learn More:

Five regional districts representing 75% of BC’s population are partners in the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI). Beyond the Guidebook 2015 is a program deliverable. Structured in four parts, it provides guidance for moving towards watershed sustainability. Part C is written for those who wish to understand what constitutes the Water Sustainability Action Plan, and how Action Plan initiatives influence practitioners in the local government setting.

To download a copy, click on:  https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf To view a set of articles about Part B and posted on the waterbucket.ca website, click on:  https://waterbucket.ca/rm/category/british_columbia_guidance_documents_context/beyond-the-guidebook-2015/provincial-drivers/

To download a copy, click on:
https://waterbucket.ca/viw/files/2015/11/Beyond-Guidebook-2015_final_Nov.pdf

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