2006 Award Recipients

In 2006 six BC organizations were honoured for their valuable contributions to the present and future health of the Fraser Basin.

The recipients were announced, and presentations made, on November 16, 2006 in these categories: Understanding Sustainability, Strengthening Communities, Caring for Ecosystems (with two recipients sharing the Award), Improving Decision-Making, and the Overall Sustainability.

Overall Sustainability Award: TransLink
In the Overall Sustainability Award category (for outstanding achievements in multiple categories), the winner was TransLink in recognition of its work with industry and community partners to develop innovative sustainable transportation initiatives that have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced air quality. Among these initiatives are the SFU and UBC U-Pass programs, the Community Pass Program, the Jack Bell Rideshare Program and the TravelSmart information program.

Improved Decision-Making Award: City of Williams Lake
The Improving Decision-Making Award recognizes processes that demonstrate collaborative decision-making, reach creative agreements and achieve common goals that reflect the various needs of a growing and diverse population. The winner was the City of Williams Lake, which has shown leadership by initiating meetings with the Williams Lake Indian Band, the Soda Creek Indian Band, Cariboo Regional District and the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council Treaty Society. The meetings and resulting Memoranda of Understanding signal a new era of improved communication between First Nations and the City of Williams Lake on land use and other issues affecting the community.

Strengthening Communities Award: Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation
The Strengthening Communities Award recognizes those who enable communities to build diverse economies, an educated work force, safe neighbourhoods, accessibility to basic commodities, shared goals, local action and a sense of belonging. The winner was the Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation, which chose to meet the economic and social challenges caused by BC’s pine beetle infestation by consulting thousands of people directly and through forums to develop a “Connected, Green and Active” community vision for 2020. The result was a prosperity document providing direction for the development of 3,000 new jobs and a diverse economy with a stronger emphasis on quality of life, livability and sustainability.

Caring for Ecosystems Award (two recipients in 2006):
1) BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands on behalf of the Government of BC
2) Pacific Streamkeepers Federation (with special mention of Executive Director Zo Ann Morten)

The Caring for Ecosystems Award, which honours stewards of the environment and natural resources, and recognizes initiatives that respect ecosystems and their interrelationships, was shared by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands on behalf of the Government of BC and the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation (with special mention of Executive Director Zo Ann Morten):

•   The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, on behalf of the BC government, was honoured for its Britannia Mine Water Treatment Plant project, which has ended many years of polluted run-off into Howe Sound at the site of the former Britannia Mine, and represents one of the most significant enhancements in fisheries habitat in the history of BC. Today, the plant treats five million cubic metres of water per year, which allows for significant improvement in water quality in Howe Sound and the re-establishment of aquatic habitat.

•   The Pacific Streamkeepers Federation serves as an information exchange for streamkeeper and enhancement groups; facilitates their training and helps coordinate their efforts; and lends a larger voice to streamkeeper and enhancement issues. The Federation owes its many successes to its volunteers and to Zo Ann Morten, the Federation’s Executive Director, who has helped teach scientific observation and monitoring to 30,000 volunteer aquatic stewards across BC, for the better protection of critical fish and wildlife habitats by taking action based on defensible scientific information.

Understanding Sustainability Award: Greater Vancouver Regional District
The Understanding Sustainability Award recognizes contributions that enhance our understanding of how vibrant communities can be built through improved social well-being, strong and diverse economies, and the maintenance and improvement of the air, water, land and living species that make up our ecosystem. The winner was the Greater Vancouver Regional District, which produces “The Sustainable Region” TV Series. The monthly half-hour shows illustrates the challenges and choices of sustainability; demonstrates actions individuals can take; and provides context to show why sustainability should matter to residents of the Lower Mainland. Each month, the show chooses a theme to illustrate the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability. The nomination was for the first season of the program.