List of Projects
Insight has had the privilege of working on interesting and challenging projects for a variety of clients.
Slow it. Spread it. Sink it!
An Okanagan Homeowner’s Guide to Using Rain as a Resource
Project Management, Research and Writing
Client: Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)
This project involved creating an easy-to-use illustrated guide for Okanagan homeowners that provides innovative, practical and cost-effective ways to capture rainwater and control runoff on their properties. Insight was responsible for managing the project, including coordinating the advisory committee, conducting research and writing, gathering local photos and case studies, and liaising with the graphic designer. The Okanagan guide is based on a similar guide produced in California.
The guide is available at www.okwaterwise.ca/pdf/HomeDrainageGuide_Okanagan.pdf.
2011 Osoyoos Lake Water Science Forum Report
Technical Writing
Client: ESSA Technologies
The Osoyoos Lake Water Science Forum was a bi-national conference held in September 2011 to provide a communication bridge for all levels of government and the public aimed at learning, sharing and developing strategies to work together to improve Osoyoos Lake and promote its future sustainability. In partnership with ESSA Technologies, Insight recorded conference discussion and prepared a synthesis of dialogue and presentations, reporting on major threats, needs, concerns and progress made since 2007.
Okanagan Streamlined Water Use Reporting Tool
Extension and Outreach
Technical Writing
Client: Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)
The Streamlined Water Use Reporting Tool is a simple and user-friendly online computer software program designed as an interface for large volume water users within the Okanagan watershed to report their monthly water use. Insight was hired by the OBWB to ensure the uptake and usage of the tool by providing support to the utilities, including conducting group and individual training sessions and follow up, and working with the software developer to address issues and improve the tool. For more information about the tool, see http://www.obwb.ca/swurt/.
Rain Gardens: Design, Implementation and Maintenance Considerations
Technical Writing
Client: Kerr Wood Leidal
Insight assisted Kerr Wood Leidal in adapting their PowerPoint presentations on rain gardens into a technical paper. The paper covers ten design considerations and ten implementation and maintenance considerations that require additional attention in order to maximize the usefulness and productivity of rain gardens and ensure they meet stormwater criteria.
Water Supply Association of BC Strategic Planning Session
Facilitation
Client: Water Supply Association of BC
Insight facilitated the Water Supply Association of BC 2009 and 2011 strategic planning sessions. The purpose of the planning sessions are for the Board of Directors to identify progress made on the set of core objectives and actions determined in the previous session and update their strategic plan for the next 18-24 months.
BC Water and Waste Association Issue Analysis Papers
Research and Writing
Client: BC Water and Waste Association
Insight assisted six BCWWA sub-committees in the preparation of Issue Analysis Papers to support the Board of Directors in developing position statements on a variety of topics. The topics included surface water treatment regulations, cross connection control programs, stormwater discharge treatment, wastewater treatment, water management plans, and funding for infrastructure renewal and replacement.
The Issue Analysis Papers and BCWWA Position Statements are available at www.bcwwa.org/resources/position-statements.html.
Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund in British Columbia: A Guide for Local Governments and Community Organizations
Research and Writing
Client: South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
Insight was hired by the SOSCP to research and write a guide that provides an overview of the steps involved in establishing a conservation fund and a service based on a levy or fee and includes examples of successful conservation fund campaigns and experiences.
BC Sustainable Winegrowing Program
Project Management, Research and Writing, Workshop Organization & Facilitation
Client: BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC)
Insight is currently the project manager for the BC Sustainable Winegrowing Program. We have been involved since the conceptual stage of the project and have managed all aspects, including scoping, collaborating with the volunteer advisory groups, research and writing guidebooks and assessments for vineyards, wine production and winery hospitality services, coordinating pilot projects, and preparing funding applications.
South Okanagan Similkameen Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
Process Facilitation, Research and Writing
Client: South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
Insight is currently working with the SOSCP to prepare a biodiversity conservation strategy for the South Okanagan Similkameen. We provided advice on the process that should be used to develop the strategy and helped develop a framework and will be writing the strategy and facilitating input and review from the technical and steering committees in early 2011.
District of Sparwood Sustainability Actions Consolidation
Sustainability Planning
Client: District of Sparwood
Insight provided recommendations for reorganizing the actions in the District’s Sustainability Plan under three headings (environmental, economic, and social) and streamlining the actions to simplify the use and implementation of the plan.
Rain to Resource Workshop
Project Management, Event Organization
Client: Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)
Insight was the project manager for the Rain to Resource Workshop, hosted by the BC Water and Waste Association and the Okanagan Basin Water Board in October 2010. Services included preparing a comprehensive task list and timeline, coordinating the organizing committee, preparing and updating the budget, identifying and securing high-quality speakers and exhibitors, and preparing conference proceedings and follow-up reporting. See www.obwb.ca/rain_to_resource for more information on the event.
Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking
Research and Writing
Client: BC Wine Grape Council (BCWGC)
Insight conducted an extensive review of existing sustainable practices programs and winery wastewater treatment technologies and reuse. This information was gathered as a preliminary step toward developing a comprehensive Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking program for British Columbia grape growers and wineries.
Okanagan Sustainable Water Strategy
Research and Writing
Client: Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB)
Provided research and technical writing services to support the development of the Okanagan Sustainable Water Strategy document. The strategy is part of an initiative to develop a comprehensive plan to develop and manage water resources in the Okanagan Basin in a sustainable manner.
Skaha Lake Shoreline Study
Environmental Assessment & Planning
Client: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS)
Insight provided land use planning and public consultation services as part of a multidisciplinary team directed by ECOSCAPE Environmental Consultants.
Site Plans
Drafting Services (AutoCAD)
Client: North West Environmental Group Ltd.
Created or edited site plans to pinpoint samples and hazardous material locations for a variety of projects.