WHEREAS hydroelectric dams affect water systems that are a vital resource to communities; AND WHEREAS many hydroelectric dams lack water use plans, or have water use plans that do not give communities input into decisions that affect local water systems, such as water flows; AND WHEREAS communities have a strong desire to be included in decisions that affect local water resources: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia require all hydroelectric dams in British Columbia to have water use plans which recognize values that give communities input into decisions that affect municipalities.
Ministry of Energy Mines A Water Use Plan WUP is intended to clarify how rights to provincial water resources should be exercised and to take account of the multiple uses for those resources. The Comptroller of Water Rights decides whether a Water Use Plan is required for water licenses for major water control facilities in British Columbia although a WUP process is initiated by the proponent who is also responsible for the plan development. Every BC Hydro facility with a water license has a Water Use Plan that is in various stages of implementation. BC Hydro receives water rental remissions for the costs it incurs as a result of WUP implementation.