Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum: Summary Report
Introduction This report provides an account of the Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum which took place September 28th, 2018. It will provide an overview of the presentations, discussions and conclusions that were presented throughout the forum. The Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum was hosted in collaboration by Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative (HSBRI) and the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC). The forum was used as an opportunity to discuss leadership on sustainable development in the Howe Sound through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The day involved hearing from local government and civil society leaders regarding the kind of sustainable development issues and leadership at play in the Howe Sound. Twice throughout the day, small group discussions addressed important questions and provided feedback to the entire group. The Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum brought together over 70 community stakeholders to discuss the importance of sustainable development in the context of the Howe Sound. There were discussions about leadership on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how to improve on this. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals and 169 individual targets that aim to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. The goal of the meeting was to use the goals to identify where there was local leadership on sustainable development initiatives and to provide suggestions for future local leaders to elevate sustainable development in the Howe Sound Region. The integrated and indivisible nature of the SDGs underscores the importance of collaboration between the diverse initiatives that already exist in the region, whether governmental, civil society, or other. It is important to remember that none of the goals can be fully achieved without all the goals being achieved. The Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum was part of the ongoing BC2030 campaign which asks British Columbians “How is BC showing leadership on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?”. Since 2017, this campaign has held over 30 events throughout British Columbia. This year’s BC2030 meetings have focused on the upcoming municipal elections as an opportunity to explore local leadership through the SDGs.These events invite all local elected officials and known candidates to engage with civil society organizations to identify concrete actions that could connect community sustainability initiatives and explore the role that municipal leadership could play in supporting them. In the Howe Sound Region, this meeting provided an opportunity for rich dialogue and collaboration among some of the most innovative and socially engaged community members in the region. The timing of this forum was aimed at providing feedback to candidates running in the Municipal elections prior to October 20th, 2018. The enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of those who participated in the meeting was wonderful, and we hope the SDGs can support your ongoing and future endeavours.
-BCCIC (Dan Harris) & HSBRI (Ruth Simons)
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Introduction to BCCIC and HSBRI The British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) is a network that engages in sustainable development and social justice issues. We are a membership-based organization made up of interested individuals, international development organizations and practitioners, and civil society organizations in British Columbia, Canada. We are focused on promoting and supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, both locally and globally. Our work includes public engagement, capacity building, networking, policy and representation, research, and youth engagement. BCCIC is one of the leading voices for civil society organizations in the province, and acts as liaison among different provincial and national governments on matters related to Canada’s sustainable development policies.
The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Intiative (HSBRI) is a group of local residents from different backgrounds who share a passion for the natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and great sustainable economic potential of Howe Sound / Atl’Kitsem. We are preparing and building support for an initiative to obtain a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere Program designation for a Howe Sound Biosphere Region. Our Vision is a Howe Sound region where biodiversity is protected so that people and commerce benefit from a sustainable economy. A region where all who visit, work and play, are able to enjoy and contribute to the area’s natural, cultural, and social resources.
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Meeting Agenda Welcome and Overview Welcome & Traditional welcome Squamish Nation members Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) presentation looking at what the SDGs and why they matter to Canada and the Howe Sound? SDGs and the Howe Sound -Mapping work on the SDGs in Howe Sound Local Government & SDG Action in the Howe Sound: Exploring the links between local government initiatives and the SDGs. Speakers included Matthew Mckinnon (Environmental Manager for District of West Van), Patricia Heintzman (Mayor of Squamish), Jeremy Valeriote (Councillor, Town of Gibsons), Chris Lewis (Council Member, Squamish Nation) and Dan Rogers (Trustee, Gambier Island Local Trust) Small group discussions answering the questions: What was the most encouraging example of sustainable development that you heard of? How can local government build on or strengthen local sustainable development leadership? Each table facilitator reported back to the entire forum Community Perspectives on Key SDG Issues: perspectives on sustainable development issues in the Howe Sound and opportunities for leadership. Speakers included: Jessica Schultz (Oceanwise), Fiona Beaty (Ocean Watch), Heather Boyd (Destination BC), Maureen Mackell (Squamish Helping Hands Society) Edith Tobe (Squamish River Watershed Society) and Chris Corrigan (Harvest Moon Consultants) Small group discussions answering the question: What local leadership do we need in order to address the issues presented? Or take advantage of the opportunities. Each table facilitator reported back to the entire forum Closing Remarks from Dan and Ruth
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Overall Takeaways • The Howe Sound Region and the community is very receptive to sustainable development and all the community members present were passionate about this region. • From all of the presentations from a variety of backgrounds it is clear that all sectors have their own approach to sustainable development and that sectors would benefit from greater communication. • Overall there is a great amount of inspiring work being done from the local governments to Squamish Nation and to civil society organizations. • Suggestions from those in attendance for greater leadership on sustainable development were strong and significant. Introductions Dan from BCCIC introduced the forum- discussing why the meeting was happening and the hoped for outcomes. These outcomes included being able to inform discussions around local leadership, creating candidate briefing reports for all candidates in the Howe Sound (this was done a week before the October 20th Municipal election). The final outcome was looking at local sustainable development leadership mapped and shared. Dan then introduced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Many of those attending the forum had heard of these goals but Dan explained their history and importance. He mentioned the key principles of the goals as being aspirational, integrated and indivisible, and universal. Dan then went on to frame the goals in the context of the Howe Sound region. The SDGs in the Howe Sound - Sticky Note Activity (see Appendix for full breakdown) After the introduction to the day the forum moved into the “Sticky Note Activity.” Participants were asked to identify which initiatives and organizations in the Howe Sound Region are showing local leadership on the SDGs through a sticky note exercise. Posters representing each of the SDGs were placed around the room and meeting attendees were asked to write the name of organizations advancing the SDGs on sticky-notes and then to place them in the Goals where the organization or initiative was having an impact. This activity showed that all of the goals had multiple groups working on them. This activity shows attendees that the passion and the drive to do the work is out there. Morning Presentations During the first round of presentations representatives from local governments explained what they were doing to promote sustainable development in the Howe Sound Region. The first presenter was Matthew Mckinnon, the environmental manager from the district of West Vancouver. He discussed the Coastal Marine Management Plan including the conditions they are currently facing including issues and challenges. He also touched on the values and project goals. The benefits of the project included shoreline protections, recreation, opportunities for learning and abundant habitat for marine life. The challenges they faced included bluff and beach erosion, derelict ships and pollution, sea level rise, vulnerable species and habitats including salmon.
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The second presentation was by Patricia Heintzman who was, at the time of the forum, the Mayor of Squamish. She discussed what the District of Squamish is doing but said it is always helpful to identify which areas need more work. She talked about the growth management strategy, agriculture as a fundamental part of regional growth and the sea to sky trail connecting communities. Transportation is also a critical issue for Squamish and there needs to be a governance model that makes sense to grow the service. Other important talking points included emergency management and affordable housing. Lastly she brought up the borrowed 12 step climate action pledge from the city of Seattle which allows everyone to work in the same direction and gives staff tools to get it done. The third presentation was done by Jeremy Valeriote, a councillor at the time, with the Town of Gibsons. He talked about a multitude of topics in the context of Gibsons. These included gender equality, organics collection for a small municipality, affordable housing and transit expansion on the sunshine coast. Other things Jeremy discussed included the building of bike lanes as a way to build for the future. Gibsons has always demonstrated a leadership role in municipal natural asset management which shows that natural assets are resilient and provide services much better than human-made services ever could. The fourth presentation was done by Chris Lewis Council member with Squamish Nation. He talked about remembering the sacred connection to the places in the area which remind people where they come from and who they are. He mentioned that the Squamish First Nation council has had a big shift in leadership and that young people are coming forward with innovative and exciting ideas. They are looking at governance mechanisms they want to implement going back to stories and connections to inform plans. There are many aspects that are important to the Squamish Nation including the use of traditional names, reconciling with western science, respect and humbleness, fostering a deep connection to mother earth, and learning from relatives and elders. Chris referred to working from a place of common values within the Nation which struck a chord with many people. He also mentioned that as humans inheriting the land there comes great responsibility. Other important projects Squamish Nation are working on include Squamish Nation marine use plan, the Enterprise centre, reducing microplastic pollution, partnerships and projects and preserving the creeks. He ended by saying “If you include us we might get there, if you don’t include us nothing’s going to happen.” The fifth and final presentation of the morning was by Dan Rogers, Trustee with the Gambier Island Local Trust committee. He explained that the Islands Trust is the only form of government other than the federal government that covers a whole region. He explained that the trust differs from local government in that it has a specific mandate to preserve and protect. The main goals of the Islands Trust is to preserve island environment, marine environment and culture and communities. They try to do a large amount of advocacy work and their main focus, in the context of the SDG’s, are goals 11, 14 and 15 (environmental and communities).
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Discussion # 1 Question 1: What was the most encouraging example of sustainable development that you heard of? Participants encouraging examples included: • Natural asset evaluation and management strategy employed by Gibsons. Many participants identified this as an encouraging example. Various conversations about using natural assets in development and more wide use of valuing ecological systems. • Mayor of Squamish - Patricia Heintzman - was inspirational to many groups because of her management in a collaborative way. Including her adoption of Seattle’s 12 Step Plan which she transposed and adapted for Squamish. • Leadership shown by Squamish Nation on issues of engaging youth leadership in key decisions relating to sustainable development (for example, the opening of the river to allow salmon to access the river system upstream). Also Squamish and Chris Lewis for their level of collaboration and values act as a grounding focus point. • Biosphere initiative and the Howe Sound Conservation network to bring NGO’s and initiatives together for collaboration • Sponge reef protection has been encouraging • Climate Action Charter for its strength and focus working with local government. The potential of Climate Justice Project.
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Discussion # 1 Question 2: How can local governments build on/strengthen this local sustainable development leadership? • There is a need to shift our interpretations of ‘assets’ and ‘prosperity’ and ensure there is a focus on the relationship between land and people. Need to think more holistically for sustainable development. • Local governments could start from a watershed perspective of Squamish river systems and work upwards systemically cataloging information as well as coordinating with local groups already engaged in these areas and in local sustainable and monitoring efforts. • Importance of having effective local government strategies and interfacing with different agencies. Participants emphasized the many benefits local communities experience when municipalities work together. • Alignment of priorities to achieving goals between different communities, groups and governments. Joining efforts between all stakeholders is beneficial for management and identifying gaps to work on. • There needs to be an overarching policy and vision from higher levels of government that provide coordination. • Instituting a water strategy especially for island communities. Waste management and ensuring there is proper methods of separation. • A need for more transportation in the Howe sound region. Groups touched on the need for bigger connections between communities including public transportation. • There is a role for education initiatives for youth. This was suggested to increase consciousness and awareness. This stewardship from younger generations is important. • Recognizing the issue itself was also a common theme, thinking about how greater attention can be brought to climate change. Especially among citizens who aren’t knowledgeable or actively thinking about climate change.
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Afternoon Presentations The first presentation of the afternoon was kicked off by Jessica Schultz and Fiona Beaty of Howe Sound Research and Conservation Program. They talked about the Marine mammal research program which compiled animals sightings and already is showing great improvements since closing the mine. It also looks at ocean pollution and plastics using a reporting initiative. Also discussed were the details of their long-running conservation program (35 years) which looks at biodiversity, vulnerable species and habitats, and ecological management. Other issues they focus on include rock fish depletion, glass or cloud sponges and sea stars. The Oceanwatch initiative promotes many things including stewardship, development and clean water. Their focus is primarily on goal 14 but also integrates many other goals. They are also doing important mapping as a part of the reference guide. Fiona concluded by explaining that the work they do is made possible by all the human resources, citizen scientists, stewards, traditional and local Ecological knowledge. The second presentation was done by Heather Boyd and Shawna Leung from Destination BC. They talked about how Tourism is a huge growth opportunity when managed proactively but there is an enormous responsibility to ensure sustainability. Part of the problem they face is that tourism is based on marketing and not necessarily development. There needs to be coordination across all governments on tourism development strategy. It is important to get as many groups involved as possible. The third presentation of the afternoon was by Maureen Mackell of Squamish Helping Hands Society. She explained that they provide basic refuge for people experiencing homelessness and that you cannot have a sustainable community until you sustain the people. The Squamish Helping Hands Society ties closely to SDG 11 and it needs to begin with a sense of belonging, there is a common need to belong and have values. Maureen explained that we used to be more of a reactive society leading to dependence but now need to move towards creating capacity and independence. The Under One Roof initiative vouches for housing first, addressing poverty, creating a community service hub and many others. She emphasizes the importance of moving past band-aid solutions and that there needs to be leaderships from communities and bringing people together. The fourth presentation of the afternoon was from Edith Tobe of the Squamish River Watershed Society. She explained that the Society was formed as a result of partnerships that looked at how they could come up with an organized plan, process, goals and objectives. It has been working with partners since before 1998. The Squamish River Watershed Society has involved Squamish Nation from the beginning and they are involved in all levels of government. She explained the importance of marking successes and to celebrate those with partners. Many projects take years to reach development and fruition but they are all worth it. She concluded with the observation that massive collaboration is the way to make big projects happen.
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The fifth and final presentation of the day was from Chris Corrigan who spoke about reconciliation. Chris shared his five principles of reconciliation with the forum. The first is that reconciliation requires restitution - when indigenous communities do well, we all do well. The second principle is that reconciliation is unsettling - its a two way relationship and its ok to be uncomfortable. The third is that settlers need to make the first move and the next was that reconciliation is an ongoing action with no end state. The last principle he talked about was that it’s about relationship - none of us can face these challenges alone and we cannot forget the values that already existed in this land for thousands of years.
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Discussion #2 What local leadership do we need in order to address the issues presented? • Leaders need to have shared values including openness, creativity and diversity. These values need to be held over time and through transitions. Many other important values were brought forward by other groups including sincerity, self-awareness and passion. There was also a suggestions at focusing on the end results and not personal credit. • Best practices must be established and should be able to transcend time and transition. Best practices can include traditional ecological knowledge and using science and technology to reconnect with the spirit of the land. • Youth engagement and education for all is important, starting from a school age. Schools and governments must work together to promote ownership and responsibility among young people. Mentorship is also important for young people stepping into these new roles. • Committees bringing collaborative approaches that are able to evaluate the impact of actions. • Acknowledging that governments are prone to risk aversion. Local leaders should not be afraid to take risks and be willing to collaborate on innovative projects. Part of this includes sharing successes and failures with each other. • An idea to create a Howe Sound Leadership Forum: a platform to bring leaders together from across organizations, groups, cultures, socialecological realms, sections etc to provide mentorship and exchange ideas. • There needs to be a clear ownership of the problems faced with open community led discussions. From this an action plan must be created to formulate how to move forward together. There is a need for a body or person who can facilitate regular gatherings and hold accountability for collective action.
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Closing Dan (BCCIC) explained that the day’s key themes, conversations and recommendations would be put together in a municipal candidate briefing paper to be shared with all candidates in the Howe Sound before the election. The meeting was a great way to connect people in the room and the hope is to continue the conversation in BC and beyond. Ruth (HSBRI) closed by explaining that this forum was a key piece in the Lima Action Plan (UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program). This will help with the nomination application in identifying strategically where leadership in the Howe Sound can balance the SDGs. The day was overwhelmingly inspiring and successful and was not possible without the engaged collaboration of all the members of the community who attended.
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APPENDIX The SDGs in the Howe Sound - Sticky Note Activity
Participants were asked to identify which initiatives and organizations in the Howe Sound Region are showing local leadership on the SDGs
These notes were compiled from photographs and as such, there may be errors and omissions.
• • • • • •
BC Food Bank District of Squamish Pathways to Education Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Sunshine Coast Thanksgiving Drive Whistler Community Services Society
• • • • • • •
•
AWARE Whistler BC AFM Bowen Agriculture Alliance Coalition for Healthy School Food District of Squamish Food Lens Gibson’s City Building Society (Farmers Market) Gibson’s Food Bank One Straw Society Pacific Salmon Foundation Pilot Project WHSCA Comm. Composter Quest U
• • • • • • • •
Community Foundation of Whistler/Vital Signs District of Squamish Gibson’s Art Building HSBRI Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Terminal Forest Products Vancouver Coastal Health
• • • • • • • • • • •
Britannia Mine Museum District of Squamish Food Lens Georgia Strait Alliance Gibson’s Art Building Gibson’s City Building Society Howe Sound Forest Industry Island Discovery Learning Community Kathleen Lane Consulting My Sea to Sky Pathways to Education
• • • •
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
Shea Louisa Corp Squamish Climate Action Network (Community Gardens) Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Squamish Lillooet Regional District District of Squamish Development of Agricultural Plan Terminal Forest Products West Howe Sound Community Association Whistler Community Services Society Zero Waste Canada
Power of Gibson’s Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice Sechelt Creek Contracting Shea Louisa Corp Squamish River Watershed Society Terminal Forest Products Vancouver Coastal Health Whistler Community Services Society
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APPENDIX • • • • • •
Community Foundation of Whistler/Vital Signs District of Squamish Gibson’s Art Building Howe Sound Forest Industry Shanti Uganda Terminal Forest Products
• • • • • • • • •
District of Squamish Gibson’s Aquifer Protection Howe Sound Forest Industries Howe Sound Pulp (Paper and water stewardship) HSBRI Partnership Water Sustainability BC PWV Resort municipality of whistler Squamish River Watershed Society
• • • • • • •
BC Sustainable Energy Association District of Squamish Merran Smith - Clean Energy Canada SCRD Sun Coast solar panel co-op Terminal Forest Products Town of Gibson District Energy Parkland
• • • • • • • •
Britannia Mine Museum Coast community investment Co-op Destination BC (Destination Development Sea-to-sky Sunshine Coast) District of Squamish Eagle Lake water supply - DWV HSBRI SCRD Sechelt Creek Contracting
• • • • • • • • •
District of Squamish Eagle Lake water supply - DWV Food Lens Oceans Watch Task Force Sechelt Creek Contracting Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Squamish Terminals Sunshine Coast Regional District Terminal Forest Products
• • • • • •
Sunshine Coast Government Terminal Forest Products Town of Gibson Water Cons Program Water Sustainability Act (BC) Water treatment FAC
• •
Squamish Terminals Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Sunshine Coast Economic Development Sunshine Coast Lab
• •
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APPENDIX
• • • • •
Coalition for Healthy School Food Cuso International (Vancouver) District of Squamish Food Lens Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof
• • •
Bowen Island Municipality CEEP Community Foundation of Whistler/Vital Signs Destination BC (Destination Development Sea-to-sky Sunshine Coast) District of Squamish Fine Peace Holdings Gambier Island Conservancy Georgia Strait Alliance Islands Trust Conservatory
• • • •
• • • • • • • • •
AWARE Whistler BC Food Bank Britannia Mine Museum District of Squamish Food Lens HSBRI Pathways to Education Pilot Project WHSCA Comm. Composter Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof
• • • •
Squamish River Watershed Society Terminal Forest Products West Howe sound community association Zero Waste Canada
• • • • • • •
AWARE Whistler David Suzuki Foundation District of Squamish Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee (Bowen Island Municipality) Food Lens Gambier Island Conservancy Georgia Strait Alliance
• • • • • • • •
Lighthouse Park Preservation Society Merran Smith - Clean Energy Canada My Sea to Sky Resort municipality of whistler Squamish River Watershed Society Squamish Terminals Terminal Forest Products West van foundation
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Artificial Reef Society of BC Bonny Brokenshire Bowen Municipality Burrard Inlet Restoration C.O.R.I. Coastal Marine Management Plan Coastal Ocean Research Institute David Suzuki Foundation
• • • • •
Department of Fisheries and Ocean District of Squamish Future of Howe Sound Society Gambier island Conservancy Gibson’s Marine Environment Protection/Education
• • • • • •
• • • • •
OCP PWV Squamish Food Bank Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Sunshine coast Homelessness action Terminal Forest Products Town of Gibson Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (trac) Vancouver native housing society
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APPENDIX • • • • • • •
Continued
Howe Sound Ocean Monitoring Howe Sound Women’s Centre HSBRI Islands Trust Conservatory Lighthouse Park Preservation Society Marine Conservation Society Marine Life Sanctuary Society if Howe Sound Marine Sanctuaries Society My Sea to Sky Nicholas Sonntag Marine Ed Centre
• • • • • • • • • •
North Shore Stream Keepers Ocean Wise Oceans Watch Task Force Pacific Wild Research Sea Change Marine Conservation Society Squamish River Watershed Society Squamish Terminals Take A Stand: Youth for Conservation Terminal Forest Products West Van Stream Keepers
• • • • • • • • • • •
Gambier Island Conservancy Gambier Conservation Society Georgia Strait Alliance Gibson’s Protection of Natural Assets HSBRI Islands Trust Conservatory Lighthouse Preservation Society Maplewood Bird Trust North Shore Stream Keepers Old Growth Conservancy Parks Trails Greenway advisory Committee Bowen Island Municipality
• • • • •
Seymour River Rockslide Restoration Shea Louisa Corp Sitka Foundation Squamish Environment Society Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Squamish River Watershed Society Squamish Stream Keepers Squamish Terminals Sunshine Coast Trails Society Terminal Forest Products West Van Wildlife Restoration Whistler Naturalists
• • • • • • •
Access Pro Bono Capilano University (School of Communication) District of Squamish Gibson’s Art Building HSBRI Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof United church Davis Bay
•
Community Foundation of Whistler/Vital Signs Destination BC (Destination Development Sea-to-sky Sunshine Coast) District of Squamish DSF Oceanwise/ C.O.R.I. Georgia Strait Alliance Howe sound community forum
• • •
• • • • • All Sustainable Development Goals
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
HSBRI Lighthouse Park Preservation Society Oceans Watch Task Force Pacific Wild Research Shea Louisa Corp Squamish Helping Hands Soc. Under One Roof Terminal Forest Products
District of Squamish
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