BC’s current licensing system for water does not apply to groundwater such that fisheries managers have few regulatory tools to curtail excessive groundwater extraction.
“The inclusion of ‘sustainability’ in the title of the proposed new Act reveals a welcome change in the way water could be viewed, However, the Proposal remains unacceptably vague on some key issues,” states Linda Nowlan.
According to Oliver Brandes, his POLIS Water Team has been active throughout the Water Act Modernization (WAM) process, providing research and feedback to the Ministry of Environment at every stage.
“The inclusion of ‘sustainability’ in the title of the proposed new Act reveals a welcome change in the way water could be viewed. The hoped‐for emphasis on water sustainability recognizes that humans are not the only users of water,” wrote Linda Nowlan.
According to Minister of Environment Murray Coell, the new Act will support climate change adaptation and economic security and help ensure that water sustainability is considered in all decisions affecting water. It will help lighten BC’s water footprint and transition to a new way of managing water.
“Getting our water rules and management right has the potential to make everyone involved look good,” emphasizes Oliver Brandes. “Water is our most important asset and investing in this ‘natural capital market’ will ensure benefits for all of us now and into the future.”
More than nine in ten respondents support new measures ranging from stricter rules for managing industrial and municipal water use; to water rights based on the needs of communities rather than first rights of access. “These poll results confirm public support for the protection of freshwater resources,” stated Tony Maas.
“Collaborative watershed governance, simply put, is working together to reach shared outcomes and resolving differences among community, private sector and governmental interests, while maintaining or restoring the biophysical and ecosystem resilience of a watershed,” writes Brian Wilkes.
“So, what we mean by shared responsibility is that everyone has a role, and everyone can act…. all levels of government, developers, regulators, bureaucrats, consultants, planners, engineers…. we all have a role,” stated Ray Fung.
According to Lynn Kriwoken, the Ministry of Environment received approximately 900 written submissions from a range of individuals, First Nation organizations and stakeholder groups. In addition, over 500 participants attended the Water Act Modernization workshops.
