Phase III (2009-2010) – Year 3 - Developing of a Governance framework for the Coquitlam River Watershed 

The purpose of Phase III, follows through with the development of a watershed governance strategy, including building the foundations for watershed governance and stewardship planning.  The aim is to get agreement on terms of reference for a watershed planning team or coalition.

• Review the results and findings of Phase II and inform, by example the principles, benefits and implications of developing a governance structure;
  
• Through public meetings and workshops and the use of a new Coquitlam River watershed web site (www.coquitlamriverwatershed.ca), develop elements of a governance structure, including draft terms of reference for a new watershed body;
• Communicate and consult on a draft terms of reference with key watershed stakeholder to seek input and support; and,
  
• Based on stakeholder support and subject to available resources, move forward in the next steps to a Phase IV Implementation phase. 

Through the Phase III public consultation process, the information was gathered from participants and compiled by the Project Team to develop the draft governance structure for the watershed. During the March 2010 workshop, a "Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable" was proposed and supported. The purpose of the Roundtable is to create a unified body to coordinate and oversee collaborative initiatives within the watershed that align with the Common Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles that have been established by the many stakeholders in the watershed. To view the proposed structure of the Roundtable, please refer to the Roundtable Concept.pdf

Following the completion of Phase III is the final report, assembled by the Phase Project Team, with input from Dovetail Consulting Group and Devon Knight Events and entitled, "Coquitlam River Watershed Strategy - Public Assemblies on Phase III - Governance Strategy Development and Direction Setting". Included as an appendix (Appendix A) to this report, is a draft document, "Strategy to Establish a Coquitlam River Watershed Goverance Structure," for key stakeholder review. (To view the report, click on the picture)

This work provides the foundation for moving forward with Phase IV implementation, which will include: an assessment of the administrative and resource costs required to implement the Roundtable; clarifying any legislative considerations; informing watershed stakeholders broadly to solicit membership in the Roundtable; identifying opportunities for coordination of services and support; preparing a list of first projects under the new governance structure, and a schedule for implementing these; developing a strategy for seeking secure funding and in-kind support for ongoing implementation of the Roundtable.

The project was funded by the Pacific Salmon Foundation's Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, City of Port Coquitlam, and in-kind support from the City of Coquitlam, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coquitlam River Watershed Society, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, the many stakeholders and community volunteers.    

To view the Phase III summary report, click on the report image to the right.

Please forward any Phase III comments and/or questions to info@coquitlamriverwatershed.ca.