BCWWA is pre-eminent in British Columbia's
water & wastewater industry -- Kevin Ramsay, out-going President

AWWA Vice President, Katie McClain presents the Fuller Award to Murray McLeod in Penticton, BC.	Frank Belfry (left), receives the Bedell Award from WEF President, Joe Stowe, Jr.

The British Columbia Water and Waste Association continues to establish itself as the pre-eminent leader in the water and wastewater industry. This positions the Association to take an active role in the future of our important industry.

We have spent a considerable effort promoting strong relationships with the Provincial government. It has been obvious to all parties that these strong ties benefit the industry in the Province. BCWWA and the Ministry of Health worked together to develop a small water systems course that will be provided throughout the Province in 2001 and beyond. BCWWA worked closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks, to assist with public consultation for the Drinking Water Protection Plan. BCWWA and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, continued the Provincial Water Conservation Strategy.

The BCWWA office staff has had significant turnover during the last year, but I am happy to report that our office competence is stronger than ever. Del Haylock was hired as Executive Director in August, 2000 and has done an outstanding job managing all aspects of the operation. Xue Wang, Accountant, and Vilma Rosa, Cross Connection and Member Services Coordinator, were hired in early 2001, and bring a wealth of experience to the Association. Diana Piche, Program Administrator, continues to prove herself invaluable.

Many similar water and/or wastewater associations in North America marvel at the high level of activity of the BCWWA. It is a volunteer organization and its strength is based on these volunteers. During the last year, there was great participation by our numerous Association committees. Much is planned for the future. Operator Education, Water Use Efficiency, Cross Connection Control, Small Water Systems, Drinking Water, Small Wastewater Systems, and Membership Committees were all very active throughout the term.

BCWWA has a tremendous future, and long-term planning during the last term has identified a number of areas for future development. Our already successful operator training program will continue to expand as the needs of our members increase. Information communication to our membership will be enhanced through increased utilization of technology. Partnerships with other organizations, governments, and others, will be vital for future growth.

It has been an extreme pleasure to serve the Association as President for the 2000-2001 term. I would like to express my appreciation to the Executive, incoming President Rick Corbett, and our Executive Director, Del Haylock, for their support. I also formally thank the City of Vancouver and my staff for their support during my term, and I do look forward to life returning to normal, whatever that might be!

BCWWA 2001-2002 Executive

President - Richard Corbett, Associated Engineering Ltd.

Past President - Kevin Ramsay, City of Vancouver

President Elect - Inder Singh, Greater Vancouver Reg. District

Vice-President - Harlan Kelly, Dayton & Knight Ltd.

Treasurer - Don Degen, City of Kelowna

Secretary - Phil Wong, Environment Canada

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