Project partnerships
FLOW Canada
The Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW) is an independent group of water experts from across Canada that encourages government action to protect our critical freshwater resources. Its members believe that all levels of government must work together as part of a pan-Canadian strategy that effectively addresses current and emerging threats to freshwater security. POLIS Research Associate David Boyd, Water Sustainability Project Leader and Associate Director Oliver M. Brandes, and former Researcher Tony Maas all helped found the organization and remain active members of FLOW.
FLOW and its predecessor, the Gordon Water Group, have released two major reports: Changing the Flow: A Blueprint for Federal Action on Freshwater, and Clean Water, Green Jobs: A Stimulus Package for Sustainable Water Investments.
Friends of the Earth - Canada
Friends of the Earth - Canada in partnership with POLIS, the Arthur Irving Institute at Acadia University, and the Environment and Resources Studies Department at the University of Waterloo have recently completed the first national test study of the water soft path principles and practices anywhere in world. This collaborative research effort produced a variety of outputs (see our Soft Path research theme) and resulted in the formation of the Soft Path Leadership Council -- a cross sector, pan national group of water experts and professionals with a mandate to move soft path concepts into action and develop pilot projects where theory becomes reality. POLIS is also working with Friends of the Earth-Canada on our National Water Conservation Workshop Roadshow Series.
Waterlution
Waterlution - A Water Learning Experience emphasizes water-based education and leadership development to engage individuals, organizations and communities in exploring issues facing local and global water supply. WSP Community Water Coordinator Susanne Porter-Bopp is working with Waterlution to deliver youth engagement workshops on water issues in British Columbia.
Read our output report from our June 2008 conference on Water Centric Planning hosted in Victoria, BC.
Canadian Water and Wastewater Association
The POLIS Water Sustainability Project is an active member of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association's National Water Efficiency Committee (CWWA) that works collectively to promote water conservation and efficiency, share best practices and develop cutting edge water management in Canada. In the fall of 2008, the CWWA and POLIS supported the planning of the Canada's 2nd National Water Conservation Conference.
Convening for Action Vancouver Island (CAVI)
POLIS is a core member of the Leadership Team for Convening for Action Vancouver Island (CAVI) -- a regional pilot program that is being implemented under the umbrella of the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia. CAVI represents a growing network that includes the British Columbia Water & Waste Association, the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, the provincial Ministries of Environment and Community Services, and the Green Infrastructure Partnership. CAVI emphasizes “water-centric” planning and a design with nature approach to water sustainability on Vancouver Island. The group provides leadership on water sustainability, education and integration across groups and sectors.
Water Advisory Committee -- Regional District of Nanaimo
Water Sustainability Project leader Oliver M Brandes has been appointed to the Regional District of Naniamo's Drinking Water Watersheds Advisory Committee where he is promoting application of the Soft Path water conservation approach, source protection and better watershed based governance. Check out the Action for Water website here.
Canadian Water Network
The Canadian Water Network (CWN) develops opportunities related to the provision of safe, clean water. In collaboration with universities, government and industry, the CWN has developed a variety of scientific projects and initiatives that address key water-related issues facing Canadians while embracing strong multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral partnerships. The POLIS Water Sustainability Project is a core academic partner in three separate Canadian Water Network initiatives that are expected to run through 2012:
- A Canadian Water Security Index led by Karen Bakker of the University of British Columbia;
- Governance for Watershed-Based Source Water Protection in Canada: A National Assessment led by Rob de Loë of the University of Waterloo;
Source Water Protection Governance Project Summary
An Introduction to Source Water Protection Governance by Rob de Loё and Georgia Simms - More Value from the Same Water: Maximizing Water's Sustainable Contribution to the Canadian Economy led by professors Diane Dupont and Steven Renzetti of Brock University.
Building Towards Water Efficiency: Innovation and Education in New and Existing Homes
WSP is working with Dr. Sarah Wolfe of the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo in a nation-wide project that investigates residential builders' deep beliefs and values (tacit knowledge). The project, "Building Towards Water Efficiency: Innovation and Education in New and Existing Homes," examines how institutional, organizational and personal knowledge influence residential builders' decisions related to water efficiency innovations. The results will be used to contribute to effective policy for residential water efficiency.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
The POLIS Water Sustainability project is teaming up with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to deliver the National Water Conservation Workshop Roadshow. The workshops will help local government staff and community water planners develop conservation plans that are tailored to challenges in their particular community.
Sierra Club of Canada
In partnership with Sierra Club of Canada and RBC's Blue Water Project, WSP is launching the H2O Action initiative in February 2010. This initiative will save litres by generating leaders from local governments across Canada through the development of pilot projects and water conservation campaigns.
