Archive:

“We are adapting asset management to a changing world. One of the big priorities for me this year is to just start bringing Asset Management back to reality. To say, we are all facing the same struggles. Let’s talk about what those struggles are, instead of just believing that we have the solution to it. The theme that I am now promoting is this, just tell us your story because people can learn from stories. It does not have to be perfect. We know it is not perfect. But do not be afraid to tell the story. Passing on knowledge really is about the stories,” stated Arnold Schwabe.

The third installment of the Chronicle of Green Infrastructure Innovation in Metro Vancouver covers the period 1997 through 2005. This sweeping narrative weaves quotable quote to tell the story of what led up to publication of BC’s Stormwater Planning Guidebook in 2002, and the impact of what followed in the wake of publication. “Transformation is often fraught with danger. How does one dance with the tiger? You do it carefully, skillfully, courageously, in tune to the same music, advancing step by natural step,” wrote Mary Altomare.

“We know the cause of the increased frequency, magnitude and duration of floods. Yet nobody seems to do a damn thing about it. As a former minister of public safety, I am very concerned about risks and liabilities. So, I have put my markers down in the provincial legislature. I am a professional investigator. I did that for 32 years in the RCMP. When we needed answers, we would go to the science. Or we would go to the experts. That was our job as investigators. And that is what drew me to Younes Alila and his forest hydrology research findings,” stated Mike Morris.

“Kelowna is the major population centre inside the Okanagan Lake basin. And many people take advantage of our natural elements to play, fish, camp and more. So, we have a responsibility to pay attention to what people do as a community. In developing the plan, we looked through a One Water lens to address community needs and responsibilities. Everybody has an opinion about water. Everybody! First Nations, other communities, we all share the lake. But not all have the resources we have at the City of Kelowna. We felt it important to lead by example,” stated Rod MacLean.

“Agricultural land is a public good because it serves everybody, but it is not treated as such. And that makes it difficult. Food should not be political, but it is. So here we are… losing farmland every year to industrial, non-farm use. How do we get the fruit of the ALR? You can build warehouses and industrial stuff pretty well anywhere you have a piece of property. You cannot build a farm by bringing in soil. That is what we have to protect. We have to find other places for this other stuff. Food security is at risk,” stated Christina Gemino.

In the story behind the story, Mark Angelo explains why his title is River Magic; why the Fraser River is the heart and soul of BC; and why Guichon Creek in Burnaby shows never give up. “River Magic is a collection of short stories. And I have written it in that format because I wanted to enable readers of all ages to better appreciate the allure and magic of rivers along with the need to better care for them. My goal was to make the book as accessible as possible to a wide range of audiences. That is a tough balance to strike,” stated Mark Angelo.

“The Partnership for Water Sustainability’s Mid-Year Report for 2025 provides an excellent understanding of our ‘philosophical’ rationale, how we function, and the collaborations and resources that make the Partnership effective. This is a baseline or landmark document. Structured in three parts, the Mid-Year Report describes the Partnership’s operational framework followed by a section on the ambassadors’ program. Then it weaves quotable quotes into a narrative about the Partnership’s array of initiatives.,” stated Tim Pringle.

“This is season #20 of Waterbucket eNews. We have evolved the form and function to meet a growing need for a trusted source of information, one that provides context and perspective for a changing local government setting. We draw attention to the elephant in the room. Once someone writes or says out loud what others are thinking, that starts a conversation. Headlines and supporting quotable quotes for 10 stories weave a story within a story. These sneak previews foreshadow what is coming this fall in Waterbucket eNews,” stated Kim Stephens.

A look into the future by Jay Bradley in 2007 has proven prescient in foreshadowing what is happening in the post-COVID era. “What happens if lessons we are learning are not passed on and are lost when there is an exodus of experienced people with deep knowledge and understanding? What then? It takes a career to figure this stuff out,” he said. Jay Bradley’s quote nails the nub of one of the challenges of our time. Never has storytelling been more important than it is today. And that is because knowledge is being lost at an alarming rate.

“So you bring together a team of partners to try and figure out a way forward. Then something else whaps you on the side of the head. And you, as a collective, must figure out how to address that too. That is my experience because I get to live in a number of different worlds. But you do not have a preconceived history or notion of what it is you are going to do…because it is hitting you in a way you have never experienced before. The only way that you are going to solve a complex challenge is if you have trust in others and a willingness to try something new,” stated Cindy Lise.