CRACKING THE CODE (IN 3-D): A WATER DATA HUB DIALOGUE
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CRACKING THE CODE
(IN 3-D)
An Open Source Data Dialogue Towards a Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework
Wed, Nov 29, 2017, 8:30 AM – Thu, Nov 30, 2017, 4:30 PM MST
Copper Point Resort in Invermere, B.C.
Click here for EVENT PROGRAM including detailed agenda and speakers bios.
REGISTER HERE
Click here for advance MEDIA COVERAGE of the conference (see pages 5 & 10).
Join the Conversation: #WaterDataHub2017
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
On November 29th and 30th in the Columbia Valley (Invermere), join the dialogue that will envision creating a Water Monitoring Framework for Source Water Protection and a shared, Open Source Water Data Hub for the Columbia Basin.
The goal of the dialogue is to develop a collective understanding for integrating the region’s water knowledge through freely accessed open source data that is useful, reliable, and evaluated and applied by users.
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During this action focused event, participants will craft 3-D outcomes:
- DECIDE: An understanding for what is required to catalyze a water monitoring framework towards filling important water data gaps for a watershed.
- DESIGN: A vision for a Columbia Basin-specific, open access, water data hub.
- DO: Cross-sector working groups to move forward on the shared water data hub and the water monitoring framework
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A WATER MONITORING FRAMEWORK
In February 2017, Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) released a report led by Dr. Martin Carver outlining the current status of water quality and quantity knowledge in the Columbia Basin. The report, titled “Water Monitoring and Climate in the Upper Columbia Basin, Summary of Current Status and Opportunities”, revealed that Basin water data is inadequate for the undertaking of managing and protecting the region’s water resources in response to climate change.
Over the past few decades, the federal and provincial governments have reduced their hydrometric monitoring, especially on smaller streams. Because existing monitoring networks pre-dated the need for regional climate impacts monitoring, the current network does not represent an optimal configuration for tracking and understanding the full range of implications of climate change on water supply for Basin ecosystems and people (Carver, 2017).
In light of this report, time is of the essence when it comes to establishing a Water Monitoring Framework for the Basin, an endeavour particularly relevant to the region’s higher-volume users such as communities and municipalities, hydropower operators, agricultural producers, industrial operations, ski resorts (snowmaking), as well as commercial and residential users.
A WATER DATA HUB
Storage and access to Columbia Basin water data in a way that supports decision-making is the next step. Cracking the Code (in 3-D) will tap into conversation about open source data that is currently trending on a global scale in citizen scientist, academic, government and industry circles. The time for an innovative, coordinated and collaborative open water data platform for the Basin — one that is free of charge and open to everybody — has arrived, but it’s not without its challenges. How to efficiently house reliable, multi-tiered data is the question everyone is grappling with.
We will learn about best practices examples from regions in Canada and the U.S. We will have a shared understanding regarding water monitoring and water data storage needs from the perspectives of government (all levels) including First Nations, community water stewardship groups, industry sectors and academia.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017
CHARTING THE WATERS
- Day 1 — Charting the Waters — panels will focus on holistic best practices of larger scale collaborative water monitoring initiatives; shared understanding of big data hubs; current and future water monitoring and database needs for all levels of government, industry and communities. Day one will finish with plenary dinner guests to share a First Nations water stewardship perspective. There will be an optional visit to Radium Hot Springs.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017
DIVING IN
- Day 2 — Diving In — panels will have a more in-depth focus: on-the-ground First Nations and non-First Nations community based water monitoring examples; local and regional government and industry examples; needs for shared data and collaborative monitoring work. This will be followed by a facilitated session to gather input for next steps needed in creating a Columbia Basin Water Monitoring Framework and a Basin-specific water data hub.
Click here for EVENT PROGRAM including detailed agenda and speaker bios.
EVENT DETAILS
Cost: $200 ($100 per day)
- Covers all meals (breakfast x2, lunch x2, snacks x4, dinner x1), coffee and registration
- Optional shuttle to local hot springs included – hot springs entry must be paid separately by attendee
Discounted Locals’ Day Rate: $100 ($50 per day)
- Covers lunch and snacks only (no breakfast or dinners), coffee and daytime registration only (no evening presentation)
- No hot springs shuttle included
We have blocked rooms at the Copper Point Resort where the conference will be held. The resort has offered conference delegates a special off-season room rate. Please make sure you notify the resort that you will be attending the Conference to ensure the discount is applied.
Direct room reservations can be made by calling the central reservations line at: 1.855.926.7737 or by emailing: reservations@copperpointresort.com, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Discounted Suite Options:
- Standard Rooms – $83.00/night + taxes
- 1 Bedroom Suite – $132.00/night + taxes
- 2 Bedroom Suite – $195.00/night + taxes
BURSARIES
Bursaries will be available to individuals working with non-profit watershed stewardship groups as well as interested First Nations. Please apply here — a limited number will be available.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation will be provided from Calgary International Airport to Copper Point Resort in Invermere on Tuesday, November 28. Anyone requiring transportation is asked to meet between 3 and 5 p.m. at Calgary International Airport on November 28. Return transportation will be available on Friday, December 1st. For details, please email Avery Deboer-Smith at averydeboer@gmail.com.
For those interested in carpooling options, ride sharing information will be emailed to all registrants prior to the conference.
