Meeting 5 of 10 GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT (GVWD ... · Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the...

Meeting 5 of 10

1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.

February 15, 2018

GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT (GVWD) BOARD OF DIRECTORS

REGULAR BOARD MEETING Friday, February 23, 2018

9:00 A.M. 28th Floor Boardroom, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia

Membership and Votes

A G E N D A1

A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1. February 23, 2018 Regular Meeting AgendaThat the GVWD Board adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled forFebruary 23, 2018 as circulated.

B. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

1. January 26, 2018 Regular Meeting MinutesThat the GVWD Board adopt the minutes for its regular meeting held January 26, 2018as circulated.

C. DELEGATIONS

D. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

E. CONSENT AGENDA Note: Directors may adopt in one motion all recommendations appearing on the Consent Agenda or, prior to the vote, request an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for debate or discussion, voting in opposition to a recommendation, or declaring a conflict of interest with an item.

Greater Vancouver Water District

http://www.metrovancouver.org/boards/membership/board-members/Pages/GVWD.aspx

GVWD Board Agenda February 23, 2018

Agenda of 2

1. CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.1 2018 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Application That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water: $380,000 over two years

starting in 2019; b) Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration: $350,000 over two

years starting in 2019. 2. UTILITIES COMMITTEE REPORTS

2.1 Watershed Education Program Update

That the GVWD Board receive for information the report dated January 10, 2018, titled “Watershed Education Program Update”.

F. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA G. REPORTS NOT INCLUDED IN CONSENT AGENDA H. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN I. OTHER BUSINESS J. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS K. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

Note: The Board must state by resolution the basis under section 90 of the Community Charter on which the meeting is being closed. If a member wishes to add an item, the basis must be included below. That the GVWD Board close its regular meeting scheduled for February 23, 2018 pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e) and (g) as follows: “90 (1) A part of a board meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being

considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements, if

the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district; and

(g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the regional district.” L. RISE AND REPORT (Items Released from Closed Meeting) M. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

That the GVWD Board adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of February 23, 2018.


Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) Board of Directors held on Friday, January 26, 2018 Page 1 of 3

GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) Board of Directors held at 9:12 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018 in the 28th Floor Boardroom, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Port Coquitlam, Chair, Director Greg Moore Vancouver, Vice Chair, Director Raymond Louie Anmore, Director John McEwen Belcarra, Alternate Director Bruce Drake for

Ralph Drew Burnaby, Director Derek Corrigan Burnaby, Director Sav Dhaliwal Burnaby, Director Colleen Jordan Coquitlam, Director Craig Hodge Coquitlam, Alternate Director Terry O’Neill for

Richard Stewart Delta, Director Bruce McDonald Electoral Area A, Director Maria Harris Langley City, Director Rudy Storteboom Langley Township, Director Charlie Fox Langley Township, Director Bob Long New Westminster, Director Jonathan Coté North Vancouver City, Director Darrell Mussatto North Vancouver District, Director Richard Walton

Pitt Meadows, Alternate Director Janis Elkerton for John Becker

Port Moody, Director Mike Clay Richmond, Director Malcolm Brodie Richmond, Director Harold Steves Surrey, Director Bruce Hayne Surrey, Director Linda Hepner Surrey, Alternate Director Mary Martin for Tom

Gill Surrey, Director Barbara Steele Surrey, Director Judy Villeneuve Surrey, Director Dave Woods Vancouver, Director Adriane Carr Vancouver, Director Kerry Jang Vancouver, Director Andrea Reimer West Vancouver, Director Michael Smith Commissioner Carol Mason (Non-voting member)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Delta, Director Lois Jackson Maple Ridge, Director Nicole Read Tsawwassen, Director Bryce Williams

Vancouver, Director Heather Deal Vancouver, Director Gregor Robertson Vancouver, Director Tim Stevenson

STAFF PRESENT: Janis Knaupp, Legislative Services Coordinator, Board and Information Services Chris Plagnol, Corporate Officer


Section B 1


A. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1. January 26, 2018 Regular Meeting Agenda

It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the GVWD Board adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled forJanuary 26, 2018 as circulated.

CARRIED B. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

1. November 24, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes

It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the GVWD Board adopt the minutes for its regular meeting heldNovember 24, 2017 as circulated.

CARRIED

C. DELEGATIONS No items presented.

D. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented.

E. CONSENT AGENDA No items presented.

F. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA No items presented.

G. REPORTS NOT INCLUDED IN CONSENT AGENDA No items presented.

H. MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN No items presented.

I. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented.

J. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS No items presented.

K. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVWD Board close its regular meeting scheduled for January 26, 2018 pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (e) as follows:



“90 (1) A part of a board meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (e) the acquisition, disposition or expropriation of land or improvements,

if the board or committee considers that disclosure could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the regional district.”

CARRIED

L. RISE AND REPORT (Items Released from Closed Meeting) No items presented.

M. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVWD Board adjourn its regular meeting of January 26, 2018.

CARRIED (Time: 9:13 a.m.)

CERTIFIED CORRECT

Chris Plagnol, Corporate Officer Greg Moore, Chair

24409314 FINAL


Section E 1.1

23830872

To: Climate Action Committee

From: Inder Singh, Director, Policy, Planning and Analysis Water Services Department

Date: January 22, 2018 Meeting Date: February 7, 2018

Subject: 2018 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications

RECOMMENDATION That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for the following projects: a) Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water: $380,000 over two years starting in 2019;b) Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration: $350,000 over two years starting in

2019.

PURPOSE This report summarizes the staff evaluation of applications for support from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund and provides recommendations for the Climate Action Committee’s consideration.

BACKGROUND The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support to Water Utility projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. The GVWD Board adopted the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy on June 27, 2014, with further amendments in 2016, to guide the use and management of the Fund. The Policy describes a process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year.

The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration.

This report brings forward the 2018 projects recommended for consideration of funding from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund.

WATER SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION FUND POLICY On an annual basis, Water projects are submitted to an internal staff Steering Committee, representing a cross-section of the organization, to evaluate projects and initiatives based on the Fund’s evaluation criteria. As defined in the policy, projects need to fulfil the following criteria:

• Be overseen by the GVWD;• Be consistent with the authority and responsibility of the GVWD;• Be consistent with the objectives of the Drinking Water Management Plan and/or the Board

Strategic Plan;


2018 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications Climate Action Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 7, 2018

Page 2 of 4

• Consider partnerships including, but not limited to, member jurisdictions, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups;

• Result in a positive contribution, in the form of tangible results and/or measurable benefits, to the sustainability of the region; and,

• Demonstrate innovation and facilitate action. The Sustainability Innovation Fund is not designed to support “business as usual” projects that a department would undertake as part of its normal operations, nor is it in place to support projects that would normally be funded through a department’s capital plan. The Fund can be used, however, to pursue “opportunity projects” in the capital planning process, innovative projects that are outside the drinking water core functions that address cross-cutting organizational objectives, and public engagement and education programs designed to change behaviour. On an annual basis the Climate Action Committee receives an update report on the projects supported by the Fund including the deliverables, outcomes, and the measurable benefits of these projects to the region’s sustainability. 2018 APPLICATION PROCESS An internal call for proposals closed on November 1, 2017 and two proposals were considered by the cross-departmental Sustainability Innovation Fund Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from seven different departments within Metro Vancouver. STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW The Steering Committee evaluated the submissions and determined both proposals have strong alignment with promoting regional sustainability and innovation. The proposals readily met the criteria established in the Policy for the Fund and demonstrated a clear understanding of the dimensions of sustainability. The proposals recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are listed in the table below with additional detail provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1). The projects recommended for funding by the Steering Committee are presented in the following table:

Recommended Allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Project Title Year Amount Requested

Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water 2019-2020 $380,000

Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration 2019-2020 $350,000

Total $730,000 Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water Residential use accounts for approximately 60% of the total drinking water use in the region. With the regional population continuing to grow, it is important to understand how indoor and outdoor water use and water use patterns are changing in order to improve water demand forecasts and to better understand opportunities to further reduce per-capita water demand. The Residential Indoor



Page 3 of 4

and Outdoor End Uses of Water study will measure and record both indoor and outdoor water use patterns of about 150 single-family homes over a two-month period in the summer months. This study will provide a detailed understanding of how water is used indoors by each fixture and appliance. The study will also provide detailed analysis of outdoor water use, and in particular, the frequency and quantity of water applied to lawns and gardens. The study aims to quantify how much water is used both indoors and outdoors and provide a detailed understanding of water use patterns and behaviours. The results will be compared with the recently published 2016 Water Research Foundation Residential End Use Study, which examined water use at a similar level of detail, and an earlier 2004 Metro Vancouver study conducted on a smaller scale. The study will facilitate research-based communications materials, incorporating water use and public attitudes information specific to the region. BC Hydro and member jurisdictions will be key partners in this study. Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration Metro Vancouver and its member jurisdictions are committed to ensuring the sustainable use of water resources. Drinking water is currently used for applications that do not require water of potable quality, which is an inefficient use of a precious resource. The reuse of greywater and rainwater will help reduce demands on drinking water supplies and treatment/distribution infrastructure. Furthermore, the reuse of greywater and rainwater may also reduce the hydraulic loading on wastewater collection and treatment systems. This project will investigate the feasibility of implementing greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems through demonstration-scale greywater and rainwater trials installed in selected building(s) within the region. While greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting and associated treatment systems are available from specialized manufacturers, this project will focus on helping to resolve regulatory requirements and operational challenges. The lessons learned from the demonstration-scale trials will be shared with stakeholders such as member jurisdictions, businesses, and residents to pursue the implementation of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting in residential and commercial buildings within the region. The information is planned to be in the form of a ‘road map and guide’ that is intended to help with navigating regulatory, implementation and operational challenges. Potential project partners include a UBC Civil Engineering Professor who specializes in the study and design of water recycling systems, the City of Vancouver Green Infrastructure Group, as well as local health authorities. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVWD Board approve the allocation from the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund for

the following projects: a) Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water: $380,000 over two years starting in 2019; b) Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration: $350,000 over two years starting

in 2019.

2. That the Climate Action Committee receive for information the report dated January 22, 2018, titled “2018 Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Applications” and provide alternate direction to staff.



Page 4 of 4

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS As of December 31, 2017, the balance of the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was $11.09 million. If the Board approves Alternative 1, $730,000 for the two projects will be disbursed from the Fund over two years, in addition to previously approved disbursal of $180,000 for 2018 projects. The annual contribution to the Fund is $723,000 and this, along with accrued interest, will maintain a balance of approximately $12.34 million at the end of 2019 to ensure that funds are available to provide support for innovative proposals in subsequent years. A summary of the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund cash flow for 2016 to 2020 is provided in Attachment 2. The total amount disbursed from the Fund in any year is at the discretion of the GVWD Board. Approved projects will be incorporated into the applicable work plans and budgets within Water Services. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The Water Sustainability Innovation Fund was created by the Board in 2004 to provide financial support for Water projects that contribute to the region’s sustainability. In 2014 the GVWD Board adopted the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Policy to guide the use and management of the Fund, with further amendments being adopted in 2016. The Policy guides the use and management of the Fund and describes the process of generating, submitting, evaluating and recommending proposals for funding each year. The Climate Action Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund, and for making all funding recommendations to the GVWD Board. Staff assist the Climate Action Committee in reviewing and evaluating all proposals that are submitted for consideration. This report presents the Steering Committee’s recommendation to fund the following project proposals:

• Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water • Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration

Additional details of each project are provided in the executive summaries (Attachment 1). A summary of the Water Sustainability Innovation Fund cash flow for 2016 to 2020 is presented in Attachment 2. Staff recommend that the Climate Action Committee approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations for funding the proposals and forward the recommendations to the GVWD Board for consideration. Staff recommendations are presented as Alternative 1. Attachments 1. Water Services Sustainability Innovation Fund – Executive Summaries (Doc# 23803059) 2. Water Sustainability Innovation Fund Projects Cash Flow 2016-2020 (Doc# 20552091) 23830872


ATTACHMENT 1

23803059

Sustainability Innovation Fund: Water Services

Executive Summary

Project Name: Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $380,000 (2019-2020)

Purpose:

The Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water Study seeks to provide a detailed

understanding of how water is used indoors by each fixture and appliance. Additionally, it seeks to

provide a detailed analysis of outdoor water use, particularly the frequency and quantity of water

applied to lawns and gardens.

The study will measure and record both indoor and outdoor water use patterns over a two-month

period in the summer months of about 150 residential homes. This study will quantify how much

water is used both indoors and outdoors and provide a detailed understanding of water use patterns

and behaviours. The results will be compared with the recently published 2016 Water Research

Foundation (WRF) Residential End Use Study, which examined water use at a similar level of detail,

and a very limited earlier Metro Vancouver study conducted on a smaller scale. The study will also

allow communications materials to be research-based, incorporating water use and public attitudes

research information specific to this region.

Recommendation:

The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $380,000.

Project Objectives:

This project has the following objectives:

Improve understanding of residential indoor and outdoor water use and behaviours.

Assess the effectiveness of changing water use demand patterns and behaviours in the MetroVancouver region associated with changes in the plumbing code for high-efficiency fixtures andappliances, recent water conservation campaigns, and changes in summer water restrictions.

Provide a detailed understanding of water use patterns that can be applied in forecasting wateruse trends and informing future water conservation programs.

Evaluate water use patterns in the Metro Vancouver region in comparison to other NorthAmerican jurisdictions as reported in the Water Research Foundation 2016 Residential End UseStudy.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability:

Water conservation from reduced water use inside the home and efficient outdoor watering practices

will contribute to the possible deferral of water supply infrastructure upgrades related to population

growth. Additionally, there is the potential for improved management of urban landscaping from the

increased knowledge of appropriate plant watering practices.


Innovation Element:

This project would be the first time that detailed monitoring and analysis of water use by fixture,

appliance and activity has been conducted in the region. Flow trace analysis will be used to identify

end uses by collecting time-specific and disaggregated water use data. This will provide more

comprehensive understanding of indoor and outdoor water use that is more representative of

residences across the region.

Tangible Benefits and Outcomes:

The results from this study will provide information on how much water is used inside and outside

the home for specific activities, which will help inform water conservation campaigns. Based on the

study results, MV and member jurisdictions can tailor their water conservation programs (e.g.

behaviour change campaigns, incentives) to be more effective by targeting activities that have the

greatest potential for water use reduction. In addition, the study results will provide detailed

information on outdoor water use that can be compared to the summer water restrictions in the

Drinking Water Conservation Plan to determine compliance and opportunities to improve water

conservation messaging.

Members and other Partners:

Policy, Planning and Analysis (Water Services) will lead this project with participation from Utility

Research and Innovation (Liquid Waste Services). It is expected that Metro Vancouver will work with

member jurisdictions to assist with selecting homes for the study. BC Hydro will also be engaged to

assist in information sharing.


Sustainability Innovation Fund: Water Services

Executive Summary

Project Name: Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration

Amount Requested from Sustainability Innovation Fund: $350,000 (2019-2020)

Purpose: This project seeks to investigate the feasibility of implementing greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems through demonstration-scale trials installed in selected building(s) within the region. While greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting treatment systems are available from specialized manufacturers, this project will focus on navigating regulatory requirements and operational challenges.

Recommendation:

The Steering Committee recommends funding for this project in the amount of $350,000.

Project Objectives:

To improve water conservation efforts by reducing the amount of drinking water used for non-potable purposes through the analysis and promotion of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems in the Metro Vancouver region. The lessons learned from the demonstration of navigating current regulatory, implementation, and operations challenges will help stakeholders such as member jurisdictions, businesses, and residents to pursue the implementation of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems in residential and commercial buildings within the region.

Contributions to Regional Sustainability:

Widespread adoption of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting will contribute to improved water conservation efforts and provide environmental and economic benefits such as: reduction in chemicals used for water/wastewater treatment, reduction in wastewater discharge volumes and associated impacts on receiving water bodies, reductions in energy and GHG emissions through reduced pumping needs as well as reduced treatment energy needs, and protection of watershed ecosystems. Residents/businesses with greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems may see financial savings on their metered water bills from reduced water use. Reducing the reliance on drinking water systems for non-potable water needs improves resilience for communities in times of water shortage or drought conditions.

Innovation Element:

Greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems have been implemented in very few green buildings in the region. While greywater and rainwater collection and treatment technologies are available, current barriers restrict their widespread use in the Metro Vancouver region. Through this Water Sustainability Innovation project, Metro Vancouver will assess these barriers and present a roadmap to navigating the hurdles in an effort to promote broader use of innovative water reuse systems in the region.


Tangible Benefits and Outcomes:

Metro Vancouver will develop an improved understanding of the regulatory and operational hurdles that currently limit the implementation of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems in buildings in the region. A roadmap and guide will detail the lessons learned from the demonstration project and offer practical recommendations for navigating the regulatory, implementation, and operational requirements for greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting. Pending the results of the demonstration project, a communication strategy may be developed to disseminate outcomes and recommendations on implementation of greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting systems to residents and businesses in the region.

Members and other Partners:

A UBC Civil Engineering professor who specializes in the study and design of water recycling systems will be invited to join the project team as an advisor and researcher. Metro Vancouver will explore potential partnerships with member jurisdictions for this Water Sustainability Innovation project. Local Health Authorities will be engaged at appropriate stages throughout the project.


Water Services Sustainability Innovation Fund ProjectsAnnual Contribution: $723,000

Project title Amount Approval Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 20201 Barnston/Maple Ridge Pump Station Energy Recovery $95,000 2015 $95,000

2 Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategy $100,000 2015 $100,000

3 Water Conservation Research and Campaign $260,000 2015 $260,000

4 Watershed Invasive Plant Removal and Control Project $90,000 2015 $90,000

5 Mountain Lake Tapping $125,000 2016 $125,000

6 Assessing Densification Impacts on Water Demand $155,000 2016 $155,000

7 Earthquake Early Warning System $100,000 2017 $100,000

8 Smart Watering App $80,000 2017 $80,000

9 Residential Indoor and Outdoor End Uses of Water $380,000 2018 $300,000 $80,000

10 Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration $350,000 2018 $200,000 $150,000Annual Cash Flow $545,000 $280,000 $180,000 $500,000 $230,000

20552091

Estimated Sustainability Innovation Fund Year End Balance: $10.48 million $11.09 million $11.86 million $12.34 million $13.09 million

Cash FlowProjected

ATTACHMENT 2


Section E 2.1 To: Utilities Committee From: Mike Mayers, Division Manager, Watershed Operations and Protection,

Water Services Date: January 10, 2018 Meeting Date: February 8, 2018 Subject: Watershed Education Program Update RECOMMENDATION That the GVWD Board receive for information the report dated January 10, 2018, titled “Watershed Education Program Update”. PURPOSE To provide the Committee and Board with an update of 2017 activities associated with the Watershed Education Program. BACKGROUND The Watershed Education Program has concluded its 2017 activities, surpassing previous attendance totals. This report provides a year-end update for the 2017 season as identified in the 2018 Utilities Committee Work Plan. WATERSHED EDUCATION PROGRAM The Watershed Education Program and initiatives support the goals and strategies in both the 2015-2018 Board Strategic Plan and the 2011 Drinking Water Management Plan. The Board Strategic Plan includes: Expand public awareness of the quality of Metro Vancouver drinking water and the importance of conserving it; while strategy 3.2 states: Promote water conservation through public education campaigns and other tools.

The Drinking Water Management Plan, under Goal 2: Ensure the Sustainable Use of Water Resources, includes an action to deliver education programs promoting behavior change by means of sustainability education resources and watershed field trips.

Watershed Education programs are one of several approaches to meeting these goals and have been operating since 1989, both in the closed watersheds and within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR). The programs familiarize visitors to the watershed lands, how they are managed and protected, and introduce them to the processes of water treatment and distribution. School and public programs offer learning tools and guided field experiences to help participants connect these places to their daily lives and create trust and confidence in our public water supply.

The program’s overarching goal is to provide all citizens with the opportunity to see where their water comes from, understand the value of this resource, develop a sense of pride and confidence in the water supply and become champions for sustainability.


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/watershed-tours/Pages/default.aspx

Watershed Education Program Update Utilities Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 8, 2018

Page 2 of 3

24237848

The Watershed Education Program promotes behaviour change by means of: • place based learning; • watershed field trips; • provision of curriculum linked resources to schools; • information outreach programs promoting behaviour change and sustainable use of water.

2017 TOUR SEASON

Summer Watershed Tours

Summer watersheds tours have been offered to the public since 1993 and provide participants an opportunity to visit the protected watersheds on a guided field experience. Tours are aimed at a general audience and highlight the source reservoirs, current water treatment and delivery systems, natural and cultural history, and water conservation. Tours are free to the public and are scheduled weekly between July and September. The following tour types were offered in 2017:

• Coquitlam Watershed Tour: 3-hour adult tour on Thursdays and Saturdays; • Capilano Watershed Tour: 4-hour adult tour on Fridays and Sundays; • LSCR Family Tour: 3-hour family tour on select weekends.

Winter Watershed Tours

Winter watershed tours take place in the LSCR on the Dog Mountain trail on Mount Seymour. These tours have been offered to the public since 2010. Topics covered on the tour include snow pack/water supply, ecosystem protection, water quality, and conservation. School Programs

School programs in the LSCR have been occurring since 1989. The program has grown and changed over the years and now follows the BC school curriculum for both elementary and secondary students studying water as a resource and water conservation. Exploring Our Watersheds (Grade 4 & 5)

The “Exploring our Watershed” program is a four-hour curriculum-connected field trip targeted at Grades 4 & 5 students. The program emphasizes connections to local environments and the importance of water conservation. Teachers are supported by provision of a “Teacher Planning & Activity Guide” package which includes both pre and post-trip activities. In 2017 the program was expanded by 50% in the LSCR in order to meet the increasing demand for this program. Seymour Capilano Filtration Plant (SCFP) Tour (High School)

The SCFP/LSCR tour is a four-hour program for high school students that allows students to follow the path of water from the source reservoir through to water treatment. The program has been running since 2013 and is supported by staff at the Seymour Capilano Filtration Plant. The program is focused on Grades 8 and 10 students.


Watershed Education Program Update Utilities Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 8, 2018

Page 3 of 3

24237848

The program includes a visit to Seymour Falls Dam with discussions around Metro Vancouver’s unique watersheds, challenges of summer droughts, and opportunities for water conservation. Students visit the LSCR’s old growth forest to make connections between healthy ecosystems and clean drinking water. This is followed by hands-on activities in our LSCR classroom, which introduce water treatment challenges and methods, asking students to explore water treatment through the lens of scientific inquiry. Students have the opportunity to interview operators, lab technicians, and maintenance staff, and see the process of water treatment. Teachers are provided with pre and post-trip activities to extend learning beyond the day of the field trip. SCFP/LSCR tours were offered from January to June and from October to December.

Program Attendance

Program

Tour Type Number of Tours

Participants

Public tours

Winter Snowshoe (LSCR) 9 167 Coquitlam Watershed 18 497 Capilano Watershed 17 374 Family (LSCR) 14 336 Group Tours 17 510 Total 75 1,884

K-12 School Programs Grade 4/5 100 2,791 High school 14 389 Total 114 3,180

Total Watershed Education Programs 189 5,064 ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The Watershed Education Program described in this report is funded from the Watershed and Environmental Management Program budget. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION Watershed Education Programs reach over 5000 residents of Metro Vancouver annually with the aim of providing all citizens with the opportunity to see where their water comes from, understand the value of this resource, recognize their connection to it, develop a sense of pride and confidence in the water supply and become champions for sustainability. Tour participants and educators are asked for feedback following their Watershed experience. The majority of respondents rate the tours as extremely effective at capturing their interests. They say that their perspective on their water supply changed, and that they would use water differently in the future. Attachment 1. Watershed Education Program Photos


Attachment 1 Watershed Education Program Photos

Summer Watershed Tour

SCFP High School Program

Coquitlam Grade 5 Program


Meeting 5 of 10 GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT (GVWD ... · Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the...

Documents

Transcript of Meeting 5 of 10 GREATER VANCOUVER WATER DISTRICT (GVWD ... · Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the...