Partners

The Real Estate Foundation of BC has invited organizations to participate as partners in the CIT initiative. CIT partners are non-profit organizations, government agencies, and/or institutions with mandates related to planning for social, economic and environmental sustainability, and real estate and land use issues. Organizations, agencies and institutions have formally joined the partnership by signing the Letter of Agreement based on CIT's Memorandum of Understanding. CIT partners may work with one or more other partners, as well as other agencies, to carry out projects. The other agencies are refered to as project “collaborators”. For more information about CIT partnerships contact the CIT Manager of Secretariat Services, Sara Muir-Owen at info@communitytransition.org.

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BC Non-Profit Housing Association. BCNPHA provides a unified voice for the non-profit housing sector and takes a leadership role in representing the non-profit housing sector interests to government and the public. BCNPHA participates in housing policy and program development with all levels of government. In addition, BCNPHA fosters networking and provides training and development opportunities for its members. BCNPHA is a founding partner of the CIT. For more information about BCNPHA visit their website at www.bcnpha.bc.ca. CIT Partner Contact: Donna Sassaman, AHEAD Coordinator, BCNPHA.

BC Real Estate Association. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) represents 12 member real estate boards and their over 15,000 REALTORS® on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, standard forms, government relations, required post-licensing courses and continuing education. BCREA is a founding CIT partner. For more information about BCREA visit their website at www.bcrea.bc.ca. CIT Partner Contact: Norma Miller, Director of Communications, BCREA.

BC Society of Landscape Architects. The BC Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA) is an association of professional landscape architects in British Columbia. Landscape architects provide a range of services including planning and design, budget consultation, analysis and studies, preparation of drawings contract administration and construction reviews. To learn more about the BCSLA visit their website at www.bcsla.org. CIT Partner Contact: Tara Culham, Executive Administrator, BCSLA admin@bcsla.org.

BC Treaty Commission. The BC Treaty Commission is the independent and neutral body responsible for facilitating treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. The Treaty Commission's primary role is to oversee treaty negotiation processes to make sure all parties are being effective and making progress in negotiations. The Treaty Commission has three roles—facilitation; funding; and public information and education. The Treaty Commission is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. The Treaty Commission, with the collaboration of the Sliammon First Nation, Corporation of Powell River and Regional District of Powell River, has partnered with the Real Estate Foundation on the CIT project: Community-based Intergovernmental Planning. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about the Treaty Commission visit their website at www.bctreaty.ca. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Kristina Wray, Process Advisor, BC Treaty Commission.

BC Wilderness Tourism Association. The Wilderness Tourism Association (WTA) exists to ensure the ongoing viability of BC’s tourism industry through the protection of the wilderness tourism land base. The WTA is a founding partner of the CIT and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. The WTA has partnered with the Real Estate Foundation and worked with CIT collaborators to complete one of the first CIT projects: Lillooet-Lytton Tourism Diversification Project. For more information about this CIT project click here. For more information about WTA visit their website at www.wilderness-tourism.bc.ca. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Dick McMaster, Board Member, WTA.

BC Water and Waste Association. British Columbia Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) is a non-profit association dedicated to the safeguarding of public health and the environment through the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience in the water and wastewater industries. BCWWA supports over 3,700 water and waste water professionals in BC and Yukon with training, educational opportunities, technology transfer, and networking opportunities. The Association's main objective is to advance knowledge in all fields related to water and wastewater. BCWWA is a CIT partner. To learn more about BCWWA visit their website at www.bcwwa.org. CIT Partner Contact: Natalie Zigarlick, Chief Executive Officer, BCWWA.

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Chinook Institute for Community Stewardship. The Chinook Institute for Community Stewardship advances education about the sustainable use and management of Western Canada’s natural landscapes, including the ecological and cultural values of these lands, through research, education, and community-based stewardship and conservation projects. The Chinook Institute is a founding CIT partner. The Institute has partnered with the Real Estate Foundation and other CIT partners, including the Columbia Basin Trust and the BC Wilderness Tourism Association, on a CIT project entitled The Open Space Toolkit for Southeast BC. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about the Chinook Institute visit their website at www.chinookinstitute.org. CIT Partner Contact: Carol Starke, Executive Director, Chinook Institute.

Columbia Basin Trust. The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) supports efforts by the people of the Columbia Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations. The CBT is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. The CBT has partnered on a number of CIT projects, including: Wildsight’s Healthy Water, Healthy Communities—Lake Windermere Project; the City of Revelstoke’s Retail Strategy; and the Chinook Institute’s Open Space Toolkit for Southeast BC. For more information about these and other CIT projects click here. The CBT can provide funding for CIT projects. To learn more about the CBT and to find out how to apply for CIT funding, visit the CBT website at www.cbt.org. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Sabrina Curtis, Community Liaison, CBT.

Community Futures Development Association of BC. Established in 1992, the Community Futures Development Association of B.C. (CFDABC) represents 33 individual Community Future Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout rural British Columbia. The CFDCs foster local entrepreneurship, promote, coordinate and implement a variety of community development initiatives within their respective communities. The CFDCs offer a variety of entrepreneurial programs, business counselling, loan programs and business information to community members interested in expanding or starting their own businesses. CFDABC is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. To learn more about CFDBC visit their website at www.communityfutures.ca/provincial/bc/index. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Erika van der Grinten, Board Member, CFDA.

Community Transition, Ministry of Community Services. The Ministry of Community Services provides policy analysis, programs and services related to local government, seniors', women's and community issues. Through the Community Transition Branch, the Ministry’s Intergovernmental Relations and Planning Department provides transition assistance to rural and remote communities that are largely dependent upon a single resource industry and facing severe economic conditions due to corporate decisions to downsize, relocate or close. For more information about the Community Transition Branch visit their website at www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/lgd/commtrans/index.htm. CIT Partner Contact: Sherree Walter, Manager, Community Transition, MCS Sherree.Walter@gems7.gov.bc.ca.

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East Kootenay Conservation Program. The East Kootenay Conservation Program (EKCP) is a collection of forty-one groups and agencies in the East Kootenay that have joined together to develop and implement a strategy to promote habitat and ecosystem management for private land that complements management of Crown land in the region. To coordinate and facilitate habitat conservation efforts, set conservation goals and objectives, and generate support and resources to maintain this effort. The EKCP will support environmental stewardship on private land with the goal of maintaining the rich biological, economic, and social heritage of the East Kootenay. EKCP is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. For more information about EKCP visit their website at www.ekcp.ca. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Darrel Smith, Program Manager, EKCP.

Environmental Law Clinic, UVic. The primary mission of the Environmental Law Clinic (ELC) is to provide research and advocacy on public interest environmental issues. The Environmental Law Centre Society, a registered non-profit society at the University of Victoria, runs the ELC. The ELC has a multi-pronged structure, drawing on the expertise and involvement of students, professors, legal practitioners, and environmental activists. The ELC, in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada; Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection; and Wetland Stewardship Partnership, and in partnership with the Real Estate Foundation and the Grasslands Conservation Council, completed the Model Wetlands/Grasslands Bylaws Project. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about ELC visit their website at www.elc.uvic.ca/clinic/index.htm. CIT Partner Contact: Andrew Petter, Dean of Law, ELC.

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Grasslands Conservation Council of BC. The Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC) and its partners work to improve education and communication concerning grasslands related issues. GCC believes that public education and awareness about grassland ecosystems is key ensuring grassland stewardship and sustainability into the future. GCC is a founding CIT partner and, in collaboration with the Coalition for Licensing and Registration of Off-Road Vehicles, ATV Interagency Policy Committee, and West Coast Environmental Law is carrying out a CIT project entitled Solutions for a Sustainable Future: ORVs Management Strategies. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about GCC visit their website at www.bcgrasslands.org. CIT Partner Contact: Bruno Delesalle, Executive Director, GCC.

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Habitat Enhancement Branch, Fisheries & Oceans Canada. Habitat Enhancement Branch is responsible for: the protection and restoration of fish habitat; the Salmonid Enhancement Programs (SEP); integrated resource management planning; stewardship and community involvement programs; and school programs. For more information about HEB visit their website at www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/default_e.htm. CIT Partner Contact: Jeff Jung, Chief, Stewardship & Community Involvement Unit, HEB.

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Land Trust Alliance of BC. The Land Trust Alliance of BC (LTA) provides education, research and services which support land trusts, conservancies and other agencies, organizations and individuals dedicated to the stewardship and conservation of BC’s natural and cultural heritage. LTA’s goal is to increase & strengthen the protection of natural and cultural heritage areas. To achieve this goal, the LTA focuses its work in four key areas: (1) education; (2) research; (3) member service; and (4) organizational development. The LTA is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. The LTA has partnered with the Real Estate Foundation to publish the Kingfisher 2005 Summer/Fall Special Issue: Communities in Transition as well as the Kingfisher 2006 Winter/Spring Issue. To learn more about the LTA visit their website at www.landtrustalliance.bc.ca. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Kathy Dunster, LTA Member.

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Northwest Corridor Development Corporation. The Northwest Corridor Development Corporation (NCDC) was officially established as a Canadian not-for-profit organization in 1998. The NCDC works to sustain and enhance the economic base and trade potential of Canada's northwest corridor, through use of its globally competitive transportation infrastructure. The NCDC is a founding CIT partner. For more information about NCDC visit their website at www.nwcorridor.com. CIT Partner Contact: Graham Kedgeley, Executive Director, NCDC.

North Central Municipal Association. The North Central Municipal Association (NCMA) is an association of local governments whose mission is to address issues and assist in developing initiatives for the benefit of its members. NCMA aims to: (1) secure united action among the members in dealing with all matters of individual or common local government interest; (2) be an agency for cooperation with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for the continued development of sound local government. The NCMA is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. For more information about the NCMA visit their website at www.ncma.enorthernbc.com. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Maxine Koppe, Executive Coordinator, NCMA.

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Okanagan Mainline Municipal Association. The Okanagan Mainline Municipal Association (OMMA) is comprised of elected officials from cities, towns, villages, districts and regional districts in South Central British Columbia. OMMA has been formed to represent, as a single organization, the governments of the Okanagan Mainline area. OMMA is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Gus Boersma, OMMA representative.

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Planning Institute of British Columbia. The Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) is an association of professional planners in British Columbia and the Yukon. PIBC is an affiliate of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). PIBC members work in the public service and the private sector, in a wide variety of fields including land use planning, environmental resource management, land development, heritage conservation, social planning, transportation planning and economic development. For more information about PIBC visit their website at www.pibc.bc.ca. CIT Partner Contact: Dave Crossley, Administrative Director, PIBC.

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Real Estate Foundation of BC. The Real Estate Foundation's (REF) mission is to support sustainable real estate and land use practices for the benefit of British Columbians. The REF is a founding partner and the Secretariat of CIT, and as such oversees the management and administration of CIT activities. The REF also serves as the CIT Advisory Committee Chair. The REF works with CIT partners and other organizations to carry out and provide funding for CIT projects. For more information about REF visit the website at www.realestatefoundation.com. To find out how to apply to the REF for CIT project funding go to the "How to Apply" link on the REF website. For more information about CIT contact: Sara Muir Owen, Manager of Secretariat Services or Advisory Committee Chair with Advisory Committee Members: Tim Pringle, Executive Director, Pauline Gomez, Assistant Executive Director, and Sara Muir Owen, Manager of Program Development of the REF.

Real Estate Institute of BC. The Real Estate Institute of British Columbia (REIBC) is an organization of diversified professionals whose mission is to advance the highest standards of education, knowledge, professional development and business practice in all sectors of the real estate industry. REIBC brings together a diverse membership of industry professionals across nine provincial chapters, offering special benefits for our Professional, Associate and Student members. REIBC has joined forces with the Design Centre for Sustainability at UBC and Smart Growth BC (a CIT partner) to assist in the Smart Growth on the Ground initiative. REIBC is a founding CIT partner and participates on the CIT Advisory Committee. For more information about REIBC visit their website at www.reibc.org. CIT Advisory Committee Member: Tracy Wall, Governor, REIBC.

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Smart Growth BC. Smart Growth BC is a provincial non-governmental organization devoted to fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible land use and development. Working with community groups, businesses, municipalities and the public, Smart Growth advocates for the creation of more livable communities in British Columbia. Smart Growth aims to nurture and mobilize a growing citizen movement addressing growth and sprawl issues around the province, and to provide sound alternative policy solutions to these issues. Smart Growth works with the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia (a CIT partner) and UBC’s Centre for Sustainability on the Smart Growth on the Ground initiative. For more information about Smart Growth visit their website at www.smartgrowth.bc.ca. CIT Partner Contact: Tom Lancaster, Advisory Services Manager, SGBC.

SFU Centre for Sustainable Community Development. SFU’s Centre for Sustainable Community Development (CSCD) is a teaching and research unit, established in 1989. CSDC’s mandate is to serve communities by: stimulating the study of sustainable community development in BC and elsewhere; collecting and providing information about sustainable community development within and outside the province; carrying out projects on sustainable community development in partnership with communities and agencies outside the university; facilitating effective use of the university’s resources (people and departments) in responding to requests for assistance on sustainable community development problems; creating opportunities for professional development experience and programs for sustainable community development practitioners; and establishing working relations with similar centres internationally, particularly in developing countries. The CSCD is a founding CIT partner. For more information about CSCD visit their website at www.sfu.ca/cscd. CIT Partner Contact: Mark Roseland, Director, CSCD.

SFU City Program. The City Program at Simon Fraser University is dedicated to understanding the city and to shape its future. The City Program addresses current urban issues and invites people from large and small communities throughout Canada to participate in their programs. The City Program offers: Professional Development Courses; an Urban Design Certificate Program; and Free Public Lectures. The City Program is a founding CIT partner. For more information about the City Program visit their website at www.sfu.ca/city. CIT Partner Contact: Gordon Price, Program Director, City Program.

South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program. The South Okanagan-Similkameen is home to some of the greatest concentrations of species at risk in Canada. It is recognized as one of the country’s three most endangered natural systems. The South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSC) works towards maintaining and enhancing this unique natural system and the great variety of plant and animal species that exist within it. The SOSC benefits from strong community support and involvement, which helps to achieve a positive balance between wildlife requirements and human needs and aspirations. The SOSC is a founding CIT partner. The SOSC, in collaboration with City of Penticton, District of Summerland, Town of Osoyoos, Town of Oliver, Regional District Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F, and in partnership with the Real Estate Foundation and other funding organizations, completed the CIT project: South Okanagan Future Vision Forum. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about SOSC visit their website at www.soscp.org. CIT Partner Contact: Robert Hawes, Interim Program Manager.

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UBC Design Centre for Sustainability. The Design Centre for Sustainability at UBC is a new program that is focused on applying sustainability concepts to the development of land and community, by bridging the gap between academic research and professional practice in planning and designing communities. The Design Centre builds upon the innovative work of the James Taylor Chair in Landscape and Liveable Environments and is primarily responsible for research, design and facilitation activities. CIT Partner Contact: Jackie Teed, Program Manager, DCS. For more information about the Design Centre visit their website at www.designcentreforsustainability.org.

UBC School of Community & Regional Planning. SCARP's mission is to advance the transition to sustainability through excellence in integrated policy and planning research, professional education and community service. SCARP has more than five decades of experience in graduate planning education and research and pioneered the integrated approach to planning for development. SCARP is a founding CIT partner. For more information about SCARP visit their website at www.scarp.ubc.ca.

University of Northern BC. The University of Northern British Columbia has made a strong commitment to research, recognizing research activity as an important engine of growth. UNBC is a strong research centre and has a national reputation as a research-intensive small university, particularly in areas relevant to the North. UNBC’s Environmental Planning Program in partnership with the Real Estate Foundation has completed the CIT project: Planning for Amenity Migration. For more information about this and other CIT projects click here. For more information about UNBC visit their website at www.unbc.ca. CIT Partner Contact: Ray Chipeniuk, Associate Professor, UNBC.

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