Building A Shoreline For All

… A thriving and sustainable waterfront:  We seek to build a shoreline that supports current and future needs for recreation, access to nature, healthy ecosystems and a strong economy that benefits all citizens.

… A diverse waterfront:  The waterfront is a place where people live, work, move around, recreate and connect with nature. We seek to protect and enhance the cultural, economic and ecological diversity of our shoreline.

… A connected waterfront:  Vancouver’s waterfront has the potential to function as a link for our community, economy and ecosystems. We seek to ensure the distinct elements of our shoreline connect and harmonize with each other.

… A resilient waterfront:  We seek solutions for a well-designed and well-managed shoreline that is able to absorb and respond to sudden and long-term changes.

… Collaboration:  We seek to leverage common ground and opportunities to work together, and engage in respectful exchange on challenging discussions.

… Accountability:  Our work is about measurable impacts and is committed to transparency and accountability to produce real change for our waterfront.

… Inclusion:  The Waterfront Initiative is an invitation to all organizations with an interest in or a connection to the shoreline to work together towards the goals specified above.

… Public engagement:  We engage citizens in the work of the Initiative and aim to help connect the public with the shoreline.

Inspired by the success of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance in New York and New Jersey and guided by the Collective Impact model for solving complex challenges, Georgia Strait Alliance serves as the backbone organization for the Waterfront Initiative. Georgia Strait Alliance convenes the Waterfront Network’s meetings and working groups, and facilitates the development of:

• a common agenda
• a shared measurement system
• mutually reinforcing activities
• continuous communication among members of the Waterfront Network

If you and your organization are interested in the Waterfront Initiative and would like to get involved, contact us at dan@georgiastrait.org