Land use professionals collaborate at BC Land Summits

In 2004, five land use-related associations--Planning Institute of BC, BC Association-Appraisal Institute of Canada, BC Institute of Agrologists, BC Society of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of BC, and Real Estate Institute of BC--combined their annual conferences to host the first BC Land Summit in Vancouver. “The idea of the Summit,” explained David Crossley of the Planning Institute of BC, “was to create an event that would be broader and richer than any one organization could create alone.” The interdisciplinary conference was a unique opportunity for land use professionals to collaborate, network, and share ideas with other experts working in various other land related fields. Aiming to facilitate a holistic approach to planning and land use, the BC Land Summit strengthened relationships between planners, real estate professionals, agrologists, appraisers, land trust organizations, landscape architects, lawyers, and other professionals with ties to land. Due to the overwhelming success of the initial conference the organizations committed to a conference every five years.

For the second Summit in 2009, Whistler was unanimously selected as the venue choice since it embodies the Land Summit’s sustainable values and the 2009 theme, Adapting to Change. Not only does Whistler boast an agricultural land reserve and a pedestrian-friendly environment, but the venue, TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, supports a Green Meeting Policy. Since Whistler deals with rapid development, a varied population, and was preparing for the 2010 Olympic Games, mobile tours allowed conference participants to learn how Whistler strategically and responsibly approaches land use. One walking tour explored Emerald Forest conservation area, part of Whistler’s Protected Areas Network, which preserves sensitive habitats against development. A cycling tour was led by Whistler Housing Authority, teaching participants about Whistler’s housing policies and regulatory mechanisms to secure affordable housing options for local residents. Taking advantage of the approaching Games, another tour explored the planning, design, and development of the Olympic facilities, putting the venues in context to Whistler, elevation, climate and vegetation. As an evolving resort, Whistler provided a rich and dynamic backdrop for the BC Land Summit.

Another central element to the Summit was a series of sessions led by practitioners who shared their experiences about the latest trends, lessons, innovations, and best practices in the field. The Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board gave one poster presentation about the process it underwent to educate its community about the protection and preservation of its drinking water. A panel discussion featuring representatives from the City of Langford discussed how that municipality overcame its poor reputation and became an award winning and progressive place to live, work, play, and build. Addressing issues of globalization, the School of Community & Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia gave a multimedia presentation that examined the social implications of global outsourcing of work on the quality of working life, working, and communities. Since the workshops were developed and presented by practicing professionals from various disciplines, the Summit offered a diverse range of perspectives and promoted cross-exploration.

The Summit also featured keynote speakers who provided the practitioners with the global perspective. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the need to change how Americans consume carbon-based energy. By examining other major socio-economic paradigm shifts that have occurred in American history, such as the abolition of slavery and the mass adoption of computer technologies, Kennedy asserted that achieving alternative energy solutions requires technology, market, and legislative tools. Dr. Richard Hebda alerted the audience to the fact that humans are environmental gluttons. Echoing the sentiment of the ‘carbon footprint’, Hebda urged people to consider their ‘ecological shadow’ by evaluating the impact their behaviors have on the environment in terms of economic gain, such as driving a total of 8 km to rent a $3 DVD. The other keynote lectures delivered by Sherry Kafka Wagner and Thomas Berger also brought essential insights, tools, and solutions for stewarding into the future.

The Real Estate Foundation has supported BC Land Summit since its inception in 2002. Granting $75,000 for the first conference in 2004 and $100,000 in 2009, the Foundation supported BC Land Summit under our mandate of professional education and for its potential to assist with more responsible land use in our province. In order to ensure its permanent legacy in our province and to continue the momentum between the five year conference cycle, BC Land Summit has incorporated as a standalone non-profit entity.

To see the program from the 2009 BC Land Summit [click here] [1].
To visit the BC Land Summit website [click here] [2].

Story by Elysha Ames