Our First Year in Review

This dynamic group of people went to a free conference on WATER in Qualicum. We were inspired by the energy of those who spoke and educated us, we were so inspired by what we learned there …that we could not leave that three day conference without knowing we could make a difference. Those in the room who were from the Comox Valley North, met for the first time. We shared our vision, our desire to help protect the Watershed’s of Vancouver Island for generations to come. WE vowed to write letters to the papers; to share what we knew and what we knew needed to be done.

This very same group of people decided to start up the CVWWC …Most of all we needed to be better informed on Water Issues right in our own backyards. WE did just that….

November 2006 we gathered and decided to carry on further meetings each second Monday of the Month at the Coast Westerly hotel.

December 2006 – we were shocked to see the number of folks that showed up for this meeting. We discussed so many issues facing our drinking water / watersheds …that we are still facing today.

January 2007 – Will Marsh – spoke to our community on the Carrying capacity of a watershed- .the turn out was fantastic! Wow did we ever learn a lot. Big lesson on this one was - we were on the right track and many more wanted to know what we were doing.

February 2007- Dr. Charmaine Enns –Chief Medical Health Officer of VIHA. Charmaine spoke of the quality and capacity of our drinking water, her role and her responsibility. She wanted us to be clear on 2 messages that evening 1. Watershed /water source protection (groundwater too) 2.Water Conservation .
After Charmaine spoke we split off into Focus groups, we wanted to identify strong areas of concerns and issues that surround us here in the Comox Valley regarding our drinking water. We listed our issues and concerns and used these items to come up with our mission statement and set out goals for this new Coalition.

March 2007 – Planning strategy, actions and getting connected with the community. What were other groups doing in the Comox Valley regarding drinking water? Why aren’t these groups working together on a common goal? Understanding the political arena around drinking water. At this meeting our Mission statement and goals were presented by George Tamaccio, " Join us in protecting, preserving and enhancing our regional water supply now and for those to come…"

April 2007 –Project Watershed, Don Casteldon presented their works, what they do in the community, the facilities they have and their history. CVWWC Blog spot was developed and updated monthly by Sonya Jenssen.