FLASHBACK TO 2003: Genesis for “Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia”
Framework for Building Partnerships
The genesis for the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia dates back to March 2003 when the vision and partnership concept first took shape for doing a 5-year update on A Water Conservation Strategy for British Columbia, released in 1998. Funding for Action Plan development was provided by the Province of British Columbia.
Through a partnership with the Province which included core funding, program delivery was carried out by the original Water Sustainability Committee (WSC) of the British Columbia Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) from 2004 through 2010. The WSC provided the leadership, facilitation and organizational services necessary for successful program implementation.
An Overarching Goal: Create a Lasting Legacy
“The original WSC had an integrating role in collaborating with other organizations to create a lasting legacy. By drawing its members from a diverse range of disciplines and organizations, the WSC functioned across the ‘boundaries’ and beyond the historical ‘limits’ or ‘constraints’ of the mandates, knowledge and expertise found in 
specific organizations,” explains explains Raymond Fung. He served as Chair from 2003 – 2008.
“By 2010, the aspirations of the WSC members were exceeding the support that BCWWA was able to provide. So by mutual consent, the Committee transformed itself into an independent, non-profit organization known as the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC.”
Choose to Live Water Smart
“Sustainable communities are all about choices – choices that become reality very quickly, with lasting consequences. In the years ahead, much will depend on getting the choices right in British Columbia, especially in those communities that are 
experiencing growth and/or renewal,” states Lynn Kriwoken.
“By choosing to live water smart, communities will be more prepared for climate change and their quality of life will be enhanced. If we can show how to get the water part right, then other parts are more likely to follow.”
Lynn Kriwoken represented the former Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection on the WSC. She is currently an Executive Director in the Ministry of Environment, and is responsible for developing and delivering Living Water Smart, British Columbia’s Water Plan.
To Learn More:
To download a copy of the Action Plan plus supporting appendices, click on the links below:
- Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia, February 2004
- Appendix B – Provincial Focus Group Findings, December 2003
- Appendix C – A Watershed/Landscape-Based Approach to Community Planning, March 2002
As illustrated by the graphics below, the Water Sustainability Action Plan initially comprised elements that holistically linked water management with land use, development and resource production. The Action Plan was developed and is being implemented as a shared responsibility.
