Province and BCWWA Committee jointly develop “Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia”
Framework for Building Partnerships
In 2003, the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (WALP) provided the Water Sustainability Committee (WSC) of the BC Water & Waste Association with core funding so that the WSC could spearhead development of the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia in partnership with the Province.
The WSC has 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 functions across the ‘boundaries’ and beyond the historical ‘limits’ or ‘constraints’ of the mandates, knowledge and expertise found in specific organizations.
In February 2004, the WSC and Province jointly released Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia: Framework for Building Partnerships. The main goal is to encourage province-wide implementation of fully integrated water sustainability policies, plans and programs.
2003 – A Teachable Moment
“The drought, forest fires and floods that British Columbia experienced in2003 have created a teachable moment for change in the way we view water in this province,” states Ray Fung, WSC Chair. “Capitalizing on this opportunity, the purpose of the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia is to promote and facilitate sustainable approaches to water use and water resource management.”
“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,” continues Lynn Kriwoken. She represents the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection on the WSC.
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 graphic below, the Water Sustainability Action Plan comprises six elements that holistically link water management with land use, development and resource production. The Action Plan is being developed as a shared responsibility.
