Rob Lawrance is remembered as a valued friend, co-worker and engaging community member. (Facebook) Ian Holmes

By Chelsea Cavanagh

AWARD

Former Nanaimo environmental planner honored for ‘extraordinary influence’

Feb 12, 2023 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO – While he’s no longer alive to accept an award for years of environmental advocacy, Rob Lawrance’s legacy continues inspiring people to make the world a more sustainable place.

Lawrance, the former longtime environmental planner for the City of Nanaimo, has been named the recipient of the Watershed Moments Team Award.

He passed away unexpectedly while participating in a multi-sport relay race near Bellingham, Wsh. in May 2022.

The award was created by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC., a non-profit a group launched in 2010 who promote community and regional land planning decisions that consider water sustainability outcomes.

It is awarded to individuals whose contributions elevated ecosystem values and benefits; and advanced their integration within the built environment.

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Lawrance, who held a Master’s Degree in Urban and Rural Planning, worked as the executive director for the Cowichan Land Trust in Duncan, before embarking on a long career with the City of Nanaimo.

Most of his 20 years with the City were served as Environmental Planner.

He worked on numerous environmental causes on his own time in Nanaimo, closely working with numerous organizations, including waterway stewardship groups.

Paul Chapman, Nanaimo Area Land Trust chair, and Nick Leone, member of the Partnership for Water Sustainability, spoke at the Monday, Feb. 6 council meeting about the award and Lawrance’s contributions.

Leone spoke passionately about Lawrance and the positive impact he had on the community.

“Through his being, his person and his actions, Rob set a standard which resonates through time and to which we can all aspire.”

Lawrance was the architect of several key environmental City policies, including establishing riparian setbacks, creating green building code guidelines and establishing an invasive species management plan.

A sequoia tree, Rob’s favourite, was planted at Woodstream Park in Nanaimo’s Departure Bay neighbourhood following his well attended celebration of life last June.

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