Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Do You Wonder How Lower Mainland Local Government Leaders are Implementing Green Infrastructure to Protect Watershed Health?

Reduce Risk & Comply with Regulatory Requirements
On June 19-20, the Capital Regional District is hosting a 2-day course that supports the region’s Integrated Watershed Management Implementation Strategy. The course comprises eight modules; and will guide participants through the stages and steps in developing a plan that is balanced, truly integrated and financially sustainable. Carrie Baron, City of Surrey Drainage and Environment Manager, is a member of the teaching team. To learn more, click here

The focus is on HOW to develop outcome-oriented Watershed Blueprints and introduce innovation and efficiency into Integrated Stormwater Management Plans (ISMPs). The course is designed to help local governments reduce risk (financial and environmental), improve watershed health, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Achieve More at Less Cost
The City of Surrey has extensive experience with ISMP development and implementation. Now in its fifth decade of continuous implementation experience, the City continues to evolve and adapt a watershed–based approach that incorporates lessons learned in getting green infrastructure built right. “The 2-day course will benefit all those who are involved in land use planning, land development and municipal infrastructure. From my Lower Mainland perspective, the course is a great chance to collaborate with and learn from champions in Vancouver Island local governments,” states Carrie Baron, City of Surrey Drainage and Environment Manager. The course comprises eight modules. Carrie is providing content for four modules.

“We will provide examples that illustrate how sharing and learning from each other allows municipalities to achieve more with less; and we will demonstrate how to apply the right tools. Integration is the KEY MESSAGE – integration with the ecosystem, recreation, land use and community groups. Use effective green infrastructure, lighten the ‘water footprint’, and protect stream health.”

“Creating good plans come from integrating good concepts from a variety of sources into the needs of the watershed,” concludes Carrie Baron. 


TO LEARN MORE about the City's experience over the years, scroll down to read these stories: 

Getting Green Infrastructure Built Right in the City of Surrey: Moving Beyond Pilot Projects  

From Pilot Projects to a Watershed Objectives Approach in the City of Surrey

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