We all know where Bowen sits- adjacent to Canada's third largest metropolis, at the entrance to the magnificent Howe Sound (the southernmost North American fjord), one of a grouping of islands and part of the Islands Trust.
What we sometimes don't think about, is how we fit into all this. About 40% of our population commutes across the water at least several times a week for school and work, and virtually all of us are dependent on mainland services for many aspects of our lives.
We are inextricably linked to Greater Vancouver, and luckily, we do have some say and influence in how the region is run. I'd like to touch on some of the regional programs and initiatives.
Metro Vancouver is quite a monster government organization, with over 1300 employees, and diverse responsibilities. Because we run our own sewers and water on Bowen, and have no dikes or social housing complexes, we do sidestep much of the RD business. But we are part of Parks, obviously, and 911 E-Comm., and the air quality regulation, and our garbage all gets handled in the same manner as do all other member municipalities.
Having sat for the last three years as your representative has been both challenging and rewarding. So many times, we discuss something of seemingly very limited relevance to our day-to-day life on Bowen, and I am struck by how absolutely privileged we are to live here.
Metro Vancouver is considered the best run regional government in North America. Its bond ratings by Moody's etc are triple AAA or equivalent. Almost unheard of, and better than most countries. Some of Metro's recent projects are already winning international awards. The Seymour water filtration plant is North America's largest, and provides water that is so clean it looks blue in a bathtub and exceeds national safety standards by factor of 10. See:
The Iona Island and Capilano sewer plants are about to receive nearly $2 Billion in upgrades over the next ten years, following on the heels of the huge Annacis Island upgrades which include a new $9 million 'Academy' for the study of, well, sewage.
The Parks program has a budget larger than the entire BC Parks system, and serves 10 million visitors a year. These last years have seen several small and large park acquisitions (incuding a first ever interregional park at Sumas Mountain). There have been some minor sales, but most importantly, some significant development plans. Colony Farm Park is getting major salmonid restoration, and a $5 million boost to create incubator farms, protect wildlife, expanded community gardens, and First Nations cultural showcasing. Tsawassen's Boundary Bay Park a bunch of new facilities, including a new concession/restroom area that is designed to highlight yet respect sensitive areas adjacent. Also, Derby Reach, Surrey Bend, international level recognition for Burns Bog. All I can say is-wow! And to have been part of all that truly makes me proud.
Intertwined with this is the 'Experience the Fraser' project- a huge long term undertaking to provide continuous trails, portals and nodes of interest from hope to the Salish Sea. The province is onboard, as are many First Nations, both regional governments and all the municipalities. Again, a terrific initiative.
Without going into the same detail, the new solid waste management plan, now provisionally approved by the provincial government, sets ambitious goals for waste reduction, diversion and value retention. A far cry from the bury it and try to forget it attitude of even the last decade. Bowen MUST adapt to having no organics in household waste, no wood in the landfills- all by 2015.
A Regional Food Strategy was approved this year, after several years works. People forget just how productive a region Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are- and contribute over 50% of our provincial total agricultural output. Even tiny, rocky Bowen has a role to play in this, and Bowfeast, BIHPA's Applefest and community garden, the Ruddy Garden, bee keeping all contribute.
Biggest and best of all is the Regional Growth Strategy, just passed. A successor to the livable Region Plan, it conserves land, creates urban containment boundaries, ensures a supply of industrial land, and anticipates growth patterns consistent with sustainability principles. Bowen is not a signatory, due to clauses in the Islands Trust Act, but we are 'on the map'. I fought hard to ensure that we are recognized for what we genuinely are- a green oasis in Metro Vancouver. Just look at a satellite image of the area, and aside from the mountains, Burns Bog and upper Pitt River areas, Bowen sticks out for its greenness. We are enshrined almost entirely as 'Conservation and Recreation' areas in the plan.
If Metro Vancouver is one of the best places on the planet to live, and surely Bowen is one of the best places within the region, then we really ought to count our lucky stars. I do that every day!
No comments:
Post a Comment