Fraser Valley Programs

Here are some of the Fraser Basin Council programs of particular interest in the Fraser Valley. Also see past projects, featured in Other Regional Work.

Photo: Cultus Lake, courtesy of Picture BC.

BC CLEAR

The BC Clean Air Research Fund is a provincial partnership program, administered by FBC, that funds groundbreaking air quality research. A new round of funding will be announced in 2014.

Burn it Clean

FBC is working in the Fraser Valley to encourage best practices in the use of wood burning appliances and to make air quality educational materials available to classrooms.

Plug in BC

FBC is part of Plug in BC — a multi-interest collaboration led by the Province to lay the groundwork for electric vehicles. We administered provincial incentives that led to installation of over 400 Level 2 charging stations, available to members of the public and to fleets across BC. In all, there are 530 stations in the BC network, plus six DC fast charge stations, with more fast charge stations on the way. This year FBC is supporting a public outreach campaign to raise awareness about the value of electric cars, including the EV driver experience.

Regional Flood Strategy

Alberta’s devastating floods left behind at least 6 billion dollars in damage. This is a poignant reminder of why flood prevention work is a critical investment. FBC is a long-time partner on flood management in BC, helping provincial and local decision-makers with studies, tools, mapping and resources. In 2013 we took the lead on a collaborative business plan to create a regional flood strategy for the Lower Fraser River region.

Phase 1 (2014-2015) is now underway, with participation of the Government of Canada, Province of BC (four ministries), 22 local governments in the Lower Mainland and other interests, including transportation authorities and utility companies.

Watch for an announcement and update in Summer 2014.

Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy

The Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship team (CLASS), with support from the Fraser Basin Council, is looking into Eurasian milfoil issues and participating in a nutrient mass study on the lake. On June 14 CLASS is hosting a Pikeminnow Derby to engage the community in controlling the population of this fish, which preys on juvenile salmon. Read about CLASS.

Salmon-Safe BC

Salmon-Safe BC is an eco-certification program, a partnership of the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fraser Basin Council. With roots across the US Pacific Northwest, Salmon-Safe recognizes environmentally friendly management practices to protect Pacific salmon habitat and water quality. Since 2011, 22 BC farms have achieved certification.

The program is now available to BC municipalities and regional districts, developers and other private and public sector landowners. Certification can apply to such places as parks and natural areas, college or university campuses, business sites and residential developments in urban, suburban and rural settings. Learn more.

BuySmart Network

The BuySmart Network supports people in business, government and non-profit organizations in learning about sustainable purchasing and supply chain management. FBC hosts the network, organizes learning events and facilitates custom in-house education and planning sessions.

On June 16-17 BuySmart is participating in the Buy Social Canada Summit in Vancouver. The Summit explores social benefits that can be achieved through procurement practices.

Visit www.buysmartbc.com and www.buysocialcanada.ca.

Climate Change Adaptation

FBC supports the BC Regional Adaptation Collaborative, a federal-provincial initiative to encourage climate change adaptation in BC communities and resource sectors. Over 5,400 public and private sector leaders have been involved in projects or educational events, and many more communities have now created or are developing climate adaptation plans.

There are more than 140 adaptation tools and resources available for BC decision-makers, including flood management resources, plus top picks from other jurisdictions. Check out www.retooling.ca.