Sustainability Begins with Us

In the last year or so, since I moved to Lake Country and started to work for the District, many things have happened for the benefit of the community as a whole. A list of our major accomplishments will be part of our annual report which will be published in June of this year, according to legislation. However, as I ponder over the few things that are making and will make a difference in and for Lake Country, I cannot help but think of our efforts in the areas of organizational excellence, sustainability in all directions, partnership with the Okanagan Indian Band, and approach to critical infrastructure management.

The common denominator of all these efforts is the time that it takes to establish good change. The reality is that it will not happen overnight. I am no fan of 'quick fixes'. For instance, if you wish to lose 7 pounds you could do it in a week (or even less) by extreme means, such as fasting, drinking only or other strange diets. The problem is that a human body will not be able to keep the results in the long run because the causal root is not dealt with properly. A sustainable dietary regime that would maintain results in the long term is accomplished only through constant effort in changing a lifestyle and educating our own body to stay away from junk food or excessive food intake. In other words, it takes time to get rid of bad habits and embrace new and good ones. The same is for organizations, including governments.

For instance, in the case of our relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band, it is important to understand that it will take years to develop a solid relationship of trust. It will have to take a constant effort on the part of both communities, Lake Country and OKIB, to look at the long term results of a partnership based on integrity, honesty, accountability and vision. There will be times in which the two groups may not agree on something. However, if good faith and renewed effort are present at all times, it will be easier to 'agree to disagree' and the relationship will become stronger.

In the case of our relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band, the first step was to renew our mutual Memorandum of Understanding, which contains a proviso for the creation of a working group made up of staff members to delineate Terms of Reference and working plans in the areas of common interest identified in the agreement document. The working group met two weeks ago and other meetings are scheduled for the next few months. Throughout the process, priorities will be identified and resources allocated to generate results for the benefit of both OKIB and Lake Country. We are moving ahead.

With respect to the other three elements mentioned at the beginning of this blog, I wish to point out that we have done much but just scraped the very surface of our potential. Municipal staff are working to establish a foundation of excellence based on:

• 'Can Do' Culture: this is the first critical step which is based on the principle of 'Seek First to Understand than to Be Understood'. Our efforts are in trying to understand the real need of our customers and try all options available to satisfy that need;
  
• Be On the Same Page: this is accomplished by regular updating, which, in turn, ensures that roles are clear, focus is defined and progress is monitored; and
  
• Be a One Stop Shop: this is fulfilled by providing accurate and consistent information to all our customers.
  

In the area of sustainability, we created a staff Community Sustainability Team with the purpose to coordinate sustainable efforts throughout the organization and foster program within the community to enhance the overall quality of life of our residents in the areas of environmental protection, economic growth, social development, including arts and culture, and effective infrastructure management. As I said, all of this will take time but I am confident that we will get there step by step.

Finally, a comment which reflects the title of this blog: we cannot be where we want to be without willingness to a personal commitment. If we want our community to be sustainable, we have to start with ourselves. Engagement will be important, but people will have to step up to the plate and play a role in making our community the best in this beautiful spot of the world. Life. The Okanagan Way.

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