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Location: Greater Vancouver, Coquitlam River Project Summary
SUMMARY Building on terms of reference for a watershed planning team or coalition for the Coquitlam River watershed, this project will be undertaking the first steps to the implementation of a governance strategy framework in the Coquitlam River watershed. The framework developed through Phase III, will be reviewed by the watershed stakeholders from administrative, legislative, and financial perspective leading to drafting an implementation schedule, including approaches for securing funding for the future. OVERVIEW The project is a multi-phase initiative aimed to produce a watershed management strategy for the Coquitlam River watershed. The resulting governance strategy, which is being developed during the current project Phase III, will ultimately provide the tools and direction for activities in the Coquitlam River; and, provide for better decision-making amongst the many stakeholders within the watershed. The rationale for this project is consistent with the watershed-based Fish Sustainability Planning process as prescribed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ministry of Environment; and, it has been adapted to suit the specific context of the watershed, local conditions and a variety of interests in this urban watershed. This project also satisfies the 2010 FSWP priority activities program area for watershed governance and planning. Two phases of the four-phase project are now complete, with Phase III (2009-2010), Governance and Strategy Development anticipated for completion during March 2010. Phase III, will result in a final terms of reference for a watershed team or coalition, a summary stakeholder review of the framework; and, a draft plan to move forward with its implementation through 2010 and beyond. Phase I (Year 1, 2007-2008) Background Research Phase II (Year 2, 2008-2009) Stakeholder Engagement and Visioning Process A web-based communications tool was developed to enable improved information sharing and dialogue about the watershed with other stakeholders. An on-line watershed forum provides an opportunity for participants to respond to key questions posted ad various milestones, to serve as input to the Project Team in develop a framework during Phase III for responsive consideration between public meetings and workshop events. http://www.coquitlamriverwatershed.ca Based on stakeholder support and subject to available resources, the initiative will move forward through subsequent phases to implementation. At the time this application was prepared, one of the Phase III steps has been undertaken. A conference, “Communities of Practice in Watershed Management: Lessons towards a Governance Strategy for the Coquitlam Watershed Strategy” was held in Port Coquitlam on October 30th and 31st, 2009. Highlights of the presentations and input gathered during the conference were posted to the dedicated web site, http://www.coquitlamriverwatershed.ca, was will two subsequent workshops, scheduled for February 2 and March 18, to assist in delivery of the Phase III plans as above. Linkage to this Phase IV proposal
Objective #1 Refine the working governance framework or terms of reference for a planning team or coalition by informing watershed stakeholders through in-person, electronic means and the web-based watershed forum to seek consensus to a framework that may be supported by watershed stakeholders.
The process also maintains that consensus-based decision-making through professional facilitation with the many watershed stakeholders is followed, to ensure ongoing support for moving forward in the development of the strategy. Further, the Project Team has been guided since its inception in during 2007-2008, by technical expertise from DFO staff, who were directly involved in developing the Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy, which followed the Fish Sustainability Planning process. Additionally, in order to engage continued support to a terms of reference for a watershed planning team or coalition, the Project Team consults with other watershed governance organizations, who have provided written and direct in-person input to the type of governance structure each use; and, in outlining how they are supported and managed. The Project Team has gained knowledge of the benefits to various models used in various watersheds, including but not limited to the Salmon, Cowichan, Englishman, Nisqually, and Chilliwack rivers. Both project consultants and governance representatives have contributed presentations to Coquitlam River watershed representatives through Phase II and Phase II. These experts will be invited to assist as required, with further input to this watershed project regarding additional advice for watershed stakeholders. Research of governance models used elsewhere have been shared with our watershed participants, stakeholders openly as well as posted to the project website. Examples include models followed in BC, Ontario and Wash. State. The Project Team strives to collaborate with other governance organizations and resources, e.g., Watershed Issues and Recommendations , A Project Team Report from the Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy; Setting a New Course In British Columbia - Water Governance Reform Options and Opportunities (Provincial Water Sustainability Project) BENEFITS The Coquitlam River watershed is about people and salmon. During Phase III, one of the objectives reaffirmed that this strategy process needs to address “What’s good for the fish.” Its stakeholders recognize the balance that must be found to ensure quality drinking water to serve Metro Vancouver, adequate flows and quality fish habitat for salmon provided the Coquitlam River dam, and while industry and urban development continue. Through Phase II, when the CRW Strategy established an agreed-to Common Vision and Values, the tag line, Kwikwetlem known as Coquitlam - “Red fish up the river” - a living river that reveals its spirit was adopted to the project by Kwikwetlem First Nation. A governance framework would provide options that can help meet goals for a healthy watershed for fish and a livelihood and use by the people.
This project is based entirely on the principle of collaboration - between the Cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and Kwikwetlem First Nation as managers for a Project Team, and in the project goal to develop a governance strategy for the Coquitlam River watershed which may implemented in the future.
The development of a governance strategy provides direct linkages in support of achieving the goals and objectives of a range of completed or in progress initiatives including: Metro Vancouver Watershed Management Plan , Lower Coquitlam River Fish Habitat and Flooding Assessment, Coquitlam River Aggregate Committee, BC Hydro Coquitlam-Buntzen Water Use Plan , BC Hydro’s Coquitlam Monitoring Committee and Kwikwetlem Salmon Restoration Program. Value-added aspects The Coquitlam River Watershed Strategy project has produced several value-added aspects as a result of its successful continuance for nearly three years. The first efforts to develop a watershed strategy were started from stewardship community through the 1990’s. Despite significant efforts made to advance such an initiative, many of the key stakeholders were not prepared to not come to the table. In following the proven watershed planning process, as supported by DFO through this multi-phased initiative, combined with significant, and stable cash and in-kind funding support from the FSWP and several partners, things like capacity building, mentoring and leadership, participation by under-represented groups, and strengthening relationships between organizations and policy makers has been visibly noticed by many. Recent years’ practices regarding decision-making to projects, or direction taken in the Coquitlam watershed have been made independently by the local governments, federal and provincial agencies, First Nations, industry and stewards, as/when watershed issues arise. However over the past two years, and more evidently this year, these same representatives are asking the other stakeholder to join them at the table to assist them in making decisions that affect them, but also to avoid impacts to others. Since the project partnership with the City of Coquitlam and Kwikwetlem First Nation was formed in 2008, KFN now actively seek representation from the two cities to attend watershed-based meeting to observe, contribute input or support when matters affect them. Similarly Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, BCTC, and both municipalities, have each or together during the past year consulted amongst one or more of the watershed stakeholders in information sharing, support or decision-making when it affects their business and needs by others in the Coquitlam River watershed. The perception of silos is way to improved dialogue with the key stakeholders with stewardship groups as well. There is an enhanced awareness by the various watershed stakeholders that their decisions can affect others. Greater consideration to be open to discuss and collaborate has started to happen more much readily and easily. By virtue of the letters of support that accompanies this funding application, the skeleton to a governance framework is already taking shape.
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