NOTICE TO THE GVRD SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE TASK FORCE

Transcription

1 Item 1.1 February 20, 2006 NOTICE TO THE GVRD SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE TASK FORCE You are requested to attend a Regular Meeting of the GVRD Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 in the 2 nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA A G E N D A 1.1 February 28, 2006 Regular Meeting Agenda Staff Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force adopt the agenda for the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force regular meeting scheduled for February 28, 2006 as circulated. 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES No items presented. 3. DELEGATIONS No delegations presented. 4. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 4.1 Sustainable Region Initiative (Presentation) Designated Speakers: Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Delia Laglagaron, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Committee Dates Designated Speaker: Delia Laglagaron, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive for information the report dated February 7, 2006 titled 2006 Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting Dates. 4.3 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues Designated Speaker: Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive the report dated February 20, 2006, titled Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues for information and discussion.

2 4.4 Sustainable Community Breakfast Series Designated Speaker: Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive the report dated February 20, 2006, titled Sustainable Community Breakfasts for information and discussion. 4.5 Smart Growth Conference Sponsorship Designated Speaker: Heather Schoemaker, Manager, Corporate Relations Recommendation: That the GVRD Board approve the expenditure of $5,000 to provide sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference being held by Smart Growth BC on May 5, INFORMATION ITEMS 5.1 Copy of report considered by the GVRD Board of Directors at their February 17, 2006 meeting titled 30 Days of Sustainability, dated February 8, OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. 7. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 8. ADJOURNMENT

3 Item 4.2 Task Force Meeting Date: February 28, 2006 To: From: Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Delia Laglagaron, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Date: February 7, 2006 Subject: 2006 Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting Dates Staff Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive for information the report dated February 7, 2006 titled 2006 Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting Dates. The Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force meeting dates for 2006 are scheduled as follows: February 28, 2006 April 4, 2006 June 6, 2006 September 5, 2006 November 7, 2006 All meetings are held on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the 2 nd floor boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby.

4 Item 4.3 Task Force Meeting Date: February 28, 2006 To: From: Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Date: February 20, 2006 Subject: Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive the report dated February 20, 2006, titled Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues for information and discussion. 1. PURPOSE To provide information to the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force on a proposed series of sustainability dialogues to be launched in late March CONTEXT The Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI) requires a collective, regional effort, one that works in partnership with other organizations in order to address concerns on the Region s economy, effective regional approaches to social issues and other regional issues that increasingly require a regional forum. These issues require the participation of the business community which in the past has been difficult to engage. The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues is a series of discussions between people of note on regional issues allowing debate in a point and counterpoint format. Framed around a set of pre-determined themes, the sessions are planned to be presented in partnership with organizations that have mandates for action in the selected theme areas. Key to the dialogues will be the selection of dynamic and knowledgeable speakers that can represent differing positions on issues. Of equal importance will be the role of facilitator, ensuring a dynamic and lively environment that directs discussions towards action-based solutions. Some suggested themes include Housing, Industry, Transportation, Agriculture, the Regional Economy, Drugs and Crime, Labour and Immigration and Energy. These are all issues of relevance and importance to the Region. The majority of dialogues will take place in Vancouver at the Wosk Centre for Dialogue with other sessions in Surrey and Burnaby.

5 Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting February 28, 2006 Page 2 of 2 3. CONCLUSION Achieving a sustainable region requires the GVRD to act not as a sole source of actions for sustainability, but rather as a participant, facilitator and catalyst for collaborative action. The proposed Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues outlined in Attachment 1 will be an opportunity to enhance awareness and understanding of regional sustainability issues to stimulate ideas and actions, and to reach out and engage partners and organizations. Attachment I: Draft Proposal Summary Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues

6 Attachment 1 Draft Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues Target Audience: Business and Local Government Objective: Position and brand GVRD as the forum for discussion on the future of the region. Measure of Success: Degree to which business and others engage. Guidelines: Themes must respond to issues of relevance to the Region. Intended to challenge traditional thinking and stimulate discussion. Majority of dialogues to be hosted in Vancouver. Two dialogues (i.e., drugs and crime, transportation, regional economy, etc.) to be replicated in a suburban venue. Structure/Format: Introductions Speakers to present their positions (3-5 minutes per speaker similar to point-counterpoint) Facilitator to open to audience for debate and discussion with speakers and others Facilitator to conclude dialogue identifying actions/challenges and conclusions Closing Remarks Themes: Housing, Industry, Transportation, Agriculture, the Regional Economy, Drugs and Crime, Labour and Immigration, Energy Venue(s): Vancouver Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue Suburbs Surrey, Burnaby - to be determined Theme Tag Line Housing The Price we Pay: The high cost of housing in our region has impacts on families and on the economy. What are the impediments to developing an adequate supply of housing that is livable, affordable and sustainable? Industry The End of Industry? Greater Vancouver land values are the highest in the country. Given that reality, how do we manage pressure to convert existing industrial lands to residential and commercial uses? Transportation You can t get there from here: Expanding road capacity alone will not solve the problem of effective goods movement in Greater Vancouver. What other solutions are available to us? Agriculture Growing Pains: How important is the agricultural sector to our collective well being, what are the challenges it faces, and how can we meet those challenges? The Regional The World is Watching: Greater Vancouver is uniquely situated as Canada s gateway to emerging markets. How do we succeed in this new global economy Economy while ensuring long-term regional prosperity, social well-being and environmental health? Drugs and Crime Dealing with Your Drug Problem: We all have a drug problem. The growing impact of drugs and related crime in the region affects everyone. Is a regionally co-ordinated strategy the place to start in finding a solution? Labour and Labour Pains: Delivering on the new economy requires skilled workers: trades, technical and management. How do we train, retain and recruit the work force Immigration Energy necessary? Batteries not Included! New and innovative approaches to energy production are an economic advantage. How can we re-energize our thinking on linkages between energy, land use and transportation?

7 Item 4.4 Task Force Meeting Date: February 28, 2006 To: From: Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Date: February 20, 2006 Subject: Sustainable Community Breakfasts Recommendation: That the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force receive the report dated February 20, 2006, titled Sustainable Community Breakfasts for information and discussion. 1. PURPOSE To provide information to the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force on the Sustainable Community Breakfasts. 2. CONTEXT The Sustainable Community Breakfasts are a series of monthly breakfast meetings. The original purpose of the breakfasts was to share information and build awareness and momentum leading up to the World Urban Forum in June of this year, promote communication around ancillary events, facilitate networking and collaboration, and, to begin to weave together local, regional, and national interests into an action oriented Greater Vancouver based sustainable community. Launched in January 2005 by BC Hydro and the International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC), with financial support from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WED), the breakfasts have very quickly evolved beyond WUF3, becoming a catalyst and forum to bring together individuals and organizations interested in the sustainability of the region. With agendas and speakers designed to respond to issues of relevance to sustainability and a database of over 1,200 interested participants, the breakfasts typically attract an audience of In 2002, the GVRD endorsed the creation of a regional assembly to discuss and promote sustainability in the region. Subsequently the decision was taken to defer this initiative in favour of other priorities.

8 Sustainable Community Breakfasts Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting February 28, 2006 Page 2 of 4 Given the widespread community interest in sustainability, the objectives and vision of GVRD s Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI), and this earlier interest in this type of forum, the GVRD was approached by WED to consider taking over responsibility for the organizing and hosting of the breakfasts, with the objective of expanding the breakfasts beyond the original scope of WUF3. Recognizing the value of these meetings and the opportunity to enhance awareness and engage stakeholders in the SRI, GVRD assumed the role of host of the Sustainable Community Breakfasts in November While a key objective will clearly be to maintain the momentum generated so far and build on the successes of these sessions, the breakfasts also provide an important opportunity to deepen and broaden our sustainability network. Specifically, the GVRD will pursue efforts to encourage participation of political and business leaders 3. CONCLUSION The Sustainable Community Breakfasts provide an ongoing opportunity for network and partnership building while at the same time building awareness and understanding of urban sustainability challenges. A key role for the Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force will be to help shape the breakfast meetings, identifying topics and issues of interest and importance to the region, weaving together local, regional, and national interests into an action oriented Greater Vancouver based sustainable community. Attachment 1: Attachment 2: January 31, 2006 Sustainable Community Breakfast meeting agenda February 21, 2006 Sustainable Community Breakfast meeting agenda

9 Attachment 1 Agenda for Breakfast Meeting Tuesday, January 31 st, :30 to 9:00 am The monthly breakfast meeting of the sustainable community will be held on January 31, It will focus on 30 Days of Sustainability, an annual celebration and year-round affirmation of sustainability and its natural role in the world and our lives. The first celebration will take place from March 2nd through March 31 st, 2006 in Vancouver, Canada. The celebration aims to integrate sustainability into the values of everyday citizens, corporations, government and society with various events highlighting Environmental, Social and Economic sustainability. This meeting will be sponsored by Alcan and media have been invited. Venue: The Joseph & Rosalie Segal Centre (rooms ) Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre 515 West Hastings Street Draft Agenda: Chair: Dr. Nola-Kate Seymoar, International Centre for Sustainable Cities Welcome and Comments on Sustainability in the Region, Johnny Carline, Commissioner/CAO, Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) WUF Update, Phil Heard, WUF Canada Vancouver Working Group Update, Western Economic Diversification Canada Special Presentation: 30 Days of Sustainability (Moderator: Charles Holmes SFU) General Welcome by Michael Stephenson, SFU President (invited) General introduction of 30 Days of Sustainability by Dan Muzyka/David Suzuki/Sam Sullivan (all invited) Description of 30 Days of Sustainability Q&A Sonny Wong, SFU Thomas Osdoba, City of Vancouver Charles Holmes, SFU Richard Prokopanko, Alcan Moderated dialogue on interest/ideas for 30 Days of Sustainability Other Updates

10 Attachment 2 SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY FEBRUARY BREAKFAST February 21, 2006, 7:30-9:00am Canada Export Centre, 602 West Hastings Street (enter on Ground Floor, follow signs downstairs to Meeting Room) A G E N D A 1. Welcoming remarks and Update on Regional Sustainability Johnny Carline, Commissioner/CAO, Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) 2. Chair s Introduction Dr. Nola Kate Seymoar, President & CEO, International Centre for Sustainable Cities 3. Welcome to Canada Export Centre Michael Lyons, President, Canada Export Centre 4. Update on WUF - Representative of WUF Canada 5. Update on Vancouver Working Group Representative of Western Economic Diversification Canada 6. PRESENTATION: Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainability (CIRS): Accelerating Sustainability in B.C. - John Robinson, UBC. Followed by Q&A. 7. PRESENTATION: Working with the World Green Building Council - Thomas Mueller, Canada Green Building Council. Followed by Q&A. 8. Sustainability by Design (SxD) Patrick Condon, UBC 9. Other Updates: Arbutus Lands Visioning Process 10. Adjourn - Johnny Carline, Commissioner/CAO, Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Thanks to our February Breakfast Sponsor: CANADA EXPORT CENTRE

11 Item 4.5 Task Force Meeting Date: February 28, 2006 To: From: Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Heather Schoemaker, Manager, Corporate Relations Date: February 14, 2006 Subject: Smart Growth Conference Sponsorship Recommendation: That the GVRD Board approve the expenditure of $5,000 to provide sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference being held by Smart Growth BC on May 5, PURPOSE To seek the Board s approval to contribute $5,000 in sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference being held May 5, 2006 in Vancouver. 2. CONTEXT Smart Growth BC is hosting a conference entitled Innovations in Smart Growth Housing on March 5, 2006 in Vancouver BC. The GVRD has been requested to consider a sponsorship opportunity to support this conference. Smart Growth BC is a member of the Sustainable Region Initiative Partners Committee, and the GVRD has been a sponsor of previous events. The conference will bring together land use professionals, developers, government staff and elected officials to explore the newest policies, technologies and strategies to create affordable, energy-efficient and livable neighbourhoods. The conference will include technical sessions on themes such as financing mechanisms for affordable housing and evaluation and marketing of energy-efficient housing. The conference is expected to attract 350 delegates. As outlined in the conference overview included as Attachment 1, the conference will feature two keynote speakers. Claire Bennie, Research Manager at the Peabody Trust, United Kingdom, will present information on the BedZed project, a former brownfield site that is now a carbon-neutral community with both market and non-market housing. Matt MacNeil, the Principal of Calgary-based Housing Strategies Inc. will present effective strategies to overcome community resistance to affordable housing solutions. The conference focuses on new and emerging knowledge concerning affordable housing in the context of community sustainability. The topics presented will provide relevant information in support of the GVRD s work on the Regional Affordable Housing

12 Smart Growth Conference Sponsorship Page 2 of 2 Sustainable Region Initiative Task Force Meeting Date: February 28, 2006 Strategy and the housing choice component of the regional growth management strategy that is currently under review. Specifically, the conference will provide input on innovative actions that can be taken to encourage affordable higher density housing options in existing single-detached areas, which is also the subject of research being undertaken as part of the growth strategy review. The conference will also address GVRD interests in green buildings and related resource efficiency benefits. Smart Growth BC has requested sponsorship contributions by partners including the GVRD to effectively deliver the conference. Five potential levels of sponsorship with contributions ranging from $ $15,000 and various specific benefits are outlined in Attachment 2. In 2004 and 2005, GVRD provided sponsorship at the $15,000 level because the keynote speaker at the conference was also the keynote speaker at a Council of Councils the following day. The recommended amount ($5,000) is a median level contribution which provides for name placement of the contributing organization on key documents, exhibit booth space, a complimentary Smart Growth BC presentation and coverage of registration fees for one representative to attend the conference. Funds are available from the 2006 Sustainable Region Initiative program. 3. ALTERNATIVES The Board may: a) Approve the expenditure of $5,000 to provide sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference being held May 5, This would provide needed support to Smart Growth BC and demonstrate the GVRD s support for exploring innovation in creating affordable, energy-efficient, walkable neighbourhoods. This level of support would provide for the GVRD to be recognized in conference advertising and materials, for coverage of registration fees for one representative, exhibit booth space and a complimentary Smart Growth BC presentation to the GVRD. This is the recommended alternative; or b) Approve the expenditure of an alternate level of sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference as specified by the Board; or c) Decline the opportunity to assist in sponsorship of the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference. This option would conserve financial resources. It would not include the GVRD as one of the partners supporting this conference. 4. CONCLUSION This report responds to Smart Growth BC s request to the GVRD for sponsorship funding for the Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Conference and Awards Luncheon being held May 5, 2006 in Vancouver. The conference will present important research in the areas of policies, technologies ands strategies to create affordable, energy-efficient and livable neighbourhoods, which will inform research and policy-making being undertaken by the GVRD as part of the Housing Program and review of the regional growth management strategy. It is recommended that the GVRD Board endorse the expenditure of $5,000 to provide sponsorship funding for this conference. Attachments: 1. Innovations in Smart Growth Housing notice from Smart Growth BC 2. Smart Growth Conference and Awards: Sponsorship Structure and Benefits

13 Attachment 1 Innovations in Smart Growth Housing Friday, May 5 th :30 am to 5:00 pm Westin Bayshore Inn, Vancouver, BC Registration Fee: $225+GST before March 24 th, $275+GST thereafter Gala Luncheon Only: $55+GST Register online at: On May 5 th 2006 Smart Growth BC will be hosting our third annual conference to bring together land use professionals, developers, government staff and elected officials. Innovations in Smart Growth Housing will be held at the beautiful Westin Bayshore Inn ( in the heart of Vancouver s Coal Harbour. The event will focus on exploring the newest policies, technologies, and strategies for creating affordable, energy-efficient, walkable neighbourhoods in British Columbia. To begin the day, Claire Bennie, Research Manager at Peabody Trust, UK, will give a keynote presentation on the award-winning BedZed project ( This former brownfield site is home to a carbon-neutral community that includes 100 properties at market and non-market prices, energy and water efficiency technology, and alternative transportation options. Following the keynote address, Matt MacNeil, Principal of Calgary-based Housing Strategies Inc., will present proven strategies and success stories in overcoming NIMBYism, and a panel will discuss successful case studies from communities of varying sizes. Smart Growth BC will be launching our first-ever Smart Growth Awards during a luncheon gala ceremony to celebrate excellence in smart growth in B.C. Registration includes a ticket to the awards luncheon as well as a glass of wine at the postconference networking session. Alternatively, luncheon tickets may be purchased separately. After the awards ceremony, the afternoon will begin with technical sessions that will include themes such as retrofitting suburbs, financing mechanisms for affordable housing, valuation and marketing of energy-efficient housing, and rural and resort community issues. A wine networking session in the Bayshore lobby will round out the day. Smart Growth BC has earned respect as a province-wide voice for the creation of healthy, livable communities. Our Creating Prosperous, Livable Communities Forum in March 2004, and our Financing Smart Growth Forum in June 2005 both demonstrated the types of solutions-oriented events we offer. Register now by visiting our website in order to take advantage of our early bird registration rate. For more information on the forum or if unable to register online please ione@smartgrowth.bc.ca, or call our office at

14 Attachment 2 Smart Growth Conference and Awards Sponsorship Structure and Benefits Sponsorship Levels $15,000 and up Conference and Awards Patron (Maximum 4 sponsors at this level) - Opportunity to sponsor a specific award and present it at the ceremony - Large logo on: 350 Smart Growth Awards programmes 350 Conference programmes Smart Growth Awards website Smart Growth Conference website 800 Conference brochures E-newsletter(s) sent to 1,700 individuals Listserv notice(s) sent to 800 individuals 350 CD-Roms of Conference proceedings Smart Growth Awards application packages - 4 complimentary Conference registrations and Awards luncheon tickets - Exhibit booth space - 1 complimentary Smart Growth BC presentation to your organization $10,000 Conference and Awards Gold Sponsor (Maximum 5 sponsors at this level) - Small logo on: 350 Smart Growth Awards programmes 350 Conference programmes Smart Growth Awards website Smart Growth Conference website 800 Conference brochures E-newsletter(s) sent to 1,700 individuals Listserv notice(s) sent to 800 individuals 350 CD-Roms of Conference proceedings Smart Growth Awards application packages - 2 complimentary Conference registrations and Awards luncheon tickets - Exhibit booth space - 1 complimentary Smart Growth BC presentation to your organization

15 $5,000 Conference Sponsor - Name on: 350 Conference programmes Smart Growth Conference website 800 Conference brochures E-newsletter(s) sent to 1,700 individuals Listserv notice(s) sent to 800 individuals 350 CD-Roms of Conference proceedings - 1 complimentary Conference registration and Awards luncheon ticket - Exhibit booth space - 1 complimentary Smart Growth BC presentation to your organization $2,000 Conference Contributor - Name on: 350 Conference programmes Smart Growth Conference website E-newsletter(s) sent to 1,700 individuals Listserv notice(s) sent to 800 individuals $1,000 Conference Supporter - Name on: 350 Conference programmes Smart Growth Conference website

16 Item 5.1 GVRD Board Meeting Date: February 17, 2006 To: From: GVRD Board of Directors Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer Date: February 8, 2006 Subject: 30 Days of Sustainability Recommendation: That the GVRD Board endorse the participation of GVRD as Supporting Partner to 30 Days of Sustainability, March 2 31, PURPOSE To provide information about 30 Days of Sustainability and seek Board endorsement of GVRD s activities and contribution to the event as a Supporting Partner. This is reported directly to the Board to accommodate deadlines required for GVRD s participation. 2. CONTEXT The catalyst for 30 Days of Sustainability was the Alcan Prize for Sustainability; a US$1 million prize awarded each year to a not-for-profit, non-governmental, civil society organization that is working diligently to make our world a better place through the ideals of sustainability. In March 2005, a small group of diverse individuals was brought together and asked to design a proposal that might see Vancouver become the host city for the Alcan Prize for Sustainability. What ensued was a friendly competition for international cities, vying for the opportunity of hosting. The Vancouver bid team was successful. 30 Days of Sustainability is intended to be annual celebration and affirmation of sustainability and its natural role in the world and our lives. By combining business, social, education and awareness programs, 30 Days of Sustainability aims to educate and integrate sustainability into the values of everyday citizens, corporations, government and society. The scope of this initiative will expand the reach of the Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI) and help focus on moving ideas into action. The not-for-profit society, 30 Days of Sustainability, was created and is moving forward on various programming elements to present 30 Days of Sustainability to the community in March The celebration will commence with the Alcan Prize for Sustainability and culminate with the GLOBE Award for Environmental Excellence.

17 30 Days of Sustainability GVRD Board February 17, 2006 Page 2 of 3 Book ended by these two events, 30 Days of Sustainability will program and produce a number of key activities and programs: 1) Opening Gala -This formal event will serve as a focal point to introduce the activities of 30 Days of Sustainability and bring all the players and stakeholders together for a night of celebration. 2) Sustainability Cafes - The Cafes will bring together relevant ideas and discussion about sustainability and bring them into local communities in an informal and accessible format. 3) Sustainability and Business - Produced in partnership with the Vancouver Board of Trade (proposed), this speaker series will feature leading international speakers on sustainability to engage the business community in the sustainability movement. 4) Sustainability and You Celebration - An exhibition and fair with speakers, demonstrations, exhibitors in order to provide education to the public about sustainability. Produced in partnership with the City of Vancouver March 16 19, ) Sustainability Science Exhibition (proposed) - This exhibition will take a look at the science and workings of sustainability and various sustainability initiatives, and incorporate display s of Alcan Prize for Sustainability nominees. 6) Sustainability in Schools - Aimed at senior level elementary and high school students to introduce sustainability and how they can integrate it into their lives. 7) 30daysofsustainability.com - A dynamic web environment (like a blog) that allows the 30 Days of Sustainability programming to be communicated as well as serve as an environment of discussion and exchange. 8) Sustainability and the Arts - This program will consist of exhibits and demonstrations, as there are many artists working on projects involving sustainably-sourced materials who deserve recognition. 9) Media awareness program - An umbrella program led by 30 Days of Sustainability and its media partners, including CanWest owner of the Vancouver Sun and The Province and many local dailies. 10) Third Party Events An opportunity for already planned events and activities to align themselves with 30 Days of Sustainability and benefit from marketing and communication of the event. As a Supporting Partner, GVRD participation will complement the above listed initiatives by incorporating and aligning activities and events that form part of our current work plan and budget and therefore no additional financial implications. Included are the following: a) Host one Sustainable Community Breakfast. b) Host one Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues with the business community and local government. c) Provide regional sustainability stories to 30 Days of Sustainability media partners through print ready news articles and The Sustainable Region television program

18 30 Days of Sustainability GVRD Board February 17, 2006 Page 3 of 3 d) Third party recognition for previously scheduled GVRD events i.e. SFU City Program Free Public Lecture: Looking Out to 2031 in Greater Vancouver: Accommodating the Next One Million Residents e) Exhibitor at GLOBE f) Participate in the Sustainability and You -Youth element to pilot use of MetroQuest with a youth audience g) Participate in an energy efficiency challenge with BC Hydro Details of these initiatives will be discussed at the SRI Task Force meetings. 3. ALTERNATIVES That the GVRD Board: a) Support the recommendation outlined in this report. b) Not support and continue activities as outlined but not align with 30 Days of Sustainability 4. CONCLUSION 30 Days of Sustainability promises to bring sustainability awareness to Greater Vancouver and provides a complement to the Sustainable Region Initiative outreach efforts. A key element of this program is the media awareness and the support of Canwest that will support SRI. GVRD s participation in a Supporting Partner capacity demonstrates to a broad regional audience, including business and government, its alignment of this growing and important issue.