WHEREAS the requirements respecting the protection of water resources and the treatment of water are becoming more stringent at a time when climate change is affecting hydrological conditions; AND WHEREAS the development of residential and commercial recreational uses adjacent to drinking water sources reduces water quality and would be a risk to future flooding: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia abandon its initiative to sell crown land adjacent to watershed lakes in order to protect domestic water sources.
Integrated Land Management Bureau The Province has put considerable effort over the past two years into working with stakeholders, examining their concerns and exploring various options to address the issues raised. The Integrated Land Management Bureau ILMB has heard the concerns of local government and water purveyors and has put the project on hold for approximately two years. This delay will allow communities to complete the necessary hydrology studies that will help to determine future reservoir storage needs and capacities. ILMB will not be making a decision on whether to proceed with the sale of the reservoir lakes lease lots until they have fully consulted with local elected officials as well as First Nations. The Province is committed to making an informed, balanced decision and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure any new information about the potential impacts that these sales might have on water quality, and the ability to expand the reservoirs, is reviewed. During this delay, critical information that is necessary for making a fully informed decision will be compiled on the state of the water sources in the Okanagan.