To download a report-style, PDF version of the following web story, click on First Announcement for Penticton Forum on April 29 2009

Convening for Action in BC

The Water Sustainability Committee of the BC Water & Waste Association, three provincial Ministries (Environment, Community Development, and Agriculture & Lands), and the Okanagan Basin Water Board are hosting a forum to showcase how partnerships, collaboration, innovation and integration are helping local governments in three regions make the best choices for sustainable, healthy and vibrant communities.  

The forum is titled Smart Planning & Living Water Smart: Approaches and Tools for Doing Business Differently in BC; and is being held in Penticton in conjunction with the annual conference of the BCWWA. The forum program is organized as four modules built around the creating our future and doing business differently themes.

Why Living Water Smart

“The Province’s Living Water Smart and Green Communities initiatives provide a framework and direction for convening for action in the Okanagan, on Vancouver Island and in Metro Vancouver,” states Glen Brown, Executive Director with the Ministry of Community Development, and Chair of the Water Sustainability Committee. “Each regional initiative is developing a vision and road map for achieving settlement in balance with ecology.”

“Released in June 2008, Living Water Smart encourages local governments to do business differently, prepare communities for change, and choose to be water smart,” adds Lynn Kriwoken, Director, Innovation and Planning in the Water Stewardship Division of the Ministry of Environment.

Contributing to Living Water Smart is the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia. “It comprises inter-connected program elements,” explains Ted van der Gulik, Senior Engineer with the Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, and Chair of the Inter-Governmental Water Balance Model Partnership . “These provide local governments and practitioners with the tools and experience to better manage land and water resources.”

Why You Should Attend

According to Anna Sears. Executive Director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board: “The Forum will be an exciting day because regional leaders will help you understand new approaches and tools for doing business differently; you can share your experiences in town hall sessions; and the networking opportunity means you can learn from each other.”

Who Should Attend

The Forum will be of educational value to elected representatives. It is especially relevant to municipal administrators, municipal engineers, and municipal planners; water resource and land use planners; and water conservation, green infrastructure and drainage practitioners. The Forum will also be of value to those in the conservation and stewardship sector.

Conference Registration Information

BCWWA's 37th Conference & Trade Show will be held in Penticton, BC from April 25 through 29. With even more technical papers on the program, a new Enhanced Operators Stream and 20% more trade show booths, the 2009 event promises to be the best ever! Other events include the annual Golf Classic, technical tours, partners program and gala banquet with a live band.

For registration information, click on 2009 BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show or contact the BCWWA office at 604-433-4389.

Posted February 2009