Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable: What does the new Water Sustainability Act mean for local watershed governance?

A Robust Framework for Fresh Water Management

“With the development and launch of the Lower Coquitlam River Watershed Plan in 2015, the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable is poised to implement strategies for action in partnership with local municipalities, the regional government, First Nations, and private/public stakeholders to support watershed sustainability,” stated Melissa Dick, Roundtable Coordinator.

“The Roundtable is keeping a close eye on developments of the regulations associated with the new Water Sustainability Act and potential opportunities to support local watershed governance initiatives.”

To Learn More:

A 2016 Progress Update captures highlights of the strategies for action ahead.

New Opportunities

“B.C.’s Water Sustainability Act, in effect since February 2016, presents key new opportunities for communities, provincial and local governments, and First Nations to advance freshwater protection in B.C.,” said Rosie Simms, Water Law and Policy Researcher/Coordinator with the POLIS Water Sustainability Project.

“With provisions including the potential for innovative water sustainability plans, a new ability to formally delegate decision-making under the Act, and enhanced protections for environmental flows, the WSA—if fully implemented through a partnership approach—can provide a robust framework for freshwater management and governance in the province,” added Simms.