REPORT RELEASED: Watershed-Based Approach to Rainwater Management in the Comox Valley
Comox Valley Regional District collaborates with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland to develop an understanding of the legislative framework for managing rainwater in the Comox Valley
In British Columbia, the term ‘local government’ encompasses municipalities and regional districts. The distinction is significant. Municipalities have extensive and very specific regulatory tools to achieve watershed-based goals and objectives, yet regional districts do not. Regional districts do have enabling powers, however, to establish a drainage function within a service area boundary.
“The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has historically had primary responsibility for managing rainwater and drainage outside municipal boundaries. However, residents in electoral areas affected by an increasing number of drainage problems are looking to the regional district 
to take the lead with a watershed-based approach to rainwater management,” explains Kevin Lorette, General Manager of the Property Services Branch for the Comox Valley Regional District on Vancouver Island.
“Recognizing the importance of the issue, the Regional Board identified a rainwater strategy as a NOW priority in its September 2012 Strategic Plan. An action item was a legal and technical review of current practices and future options. This work has been completed, recommendations were approved by the Board in March 2013, and implementation of first steps is proceeding.”
“The Comox Valley Regional District has worked closely with the Ministry, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland to develop an understanding of the legislative framework for managing rainwater in the Comox Valley. Our collaboration is founded on a ‘regional team approach’ that aligns efforts and recognizes that nature has no borders.”
“Rainwater management policy statements and development permit area guidelines will be developed; will include objectives to address climate change impacts, adaptive management and performance standards; and will be implemented as part of the current Official Community Plan review. A report on the resource requirements and next steps for implementing a rainwater management strategy for the Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Areas will be prepared as the next step in this process.”
To Learn More:
To download a copy of the report on the legal and technical review, click on Rainwater Management in the Comox Valley Regional District Electoral Areas: Current Practice and Future Options.
