Alberta is in the midst of a landmark water study that will help the government decide if it's time to start charging for the resource. The study is looking at the value of water to the economy. The figures will guide officials examining what “economic instruments” would encourage businesses, municipalities and residents to use less water.
The City of Dawson Creek hosted a workshop titled “Sustainable Planning and Development for Small Communities”, a program developed by Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation to help small communities. Held in December 2006, the workshop was attended by municipalities from throughout the Peace River region.
The convergence of local, regional and provincial interests provided the impetus for organizing a ‘water-centric working session' in the Town of Oliver on March 30, 2006. A list of ten incremental steps were identified that will help guide the Town and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on their journey to get from “there to here” along the soft path to water sustainability.
Water-centric planning in the South Okanagan can facilitate a plan of action for the entire Okanagan. This was the message conveyed by Kim Stephens, Program Coordinator for the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia, when he was invited to make a presentation to the recently formed Okanagan Water Stewardship Council.
