The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is currently developing a Watershed Security Strategy, and will be consulting with local governments this May regarding its intentions paper.
In early 2022, the Province began engaging with people about a watershed strategy through a discussion paper. The Province heard from respondents—including local governments—that water and watersheds are important for the social, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being of British Columbians. However, unsustainable water and land use, cumulative impacts of developments, invasive species and population growth are putting these resources at risk. Climate change is also making ecosystems and communities even more vulnerable to disasters like floods and drought.
This month the provincial Watershed Security Team is travelling throughout the province to meet with local governments and hear feedback on the Strategy and their next steps.
To register for a 45 min slot email the watershed team:
- Victoria: May 3, 1-4pm
- Victoria: May 5, 1-4pm
- Vernon: May 10, 1-4pm
- Kamloops: May 15, 1-4pm
- Nanaimo: May 16, 9am-2:30pm
- Prince George: May 16, 9am-2:30pm
- Fort St. John: May 18, 1-4pm
- Smithers: May 25, 9am-2:30pm
- Surrey: May 25, 9am-2:30pm
- Cranbrook: May 31, 9am-2:30pm
For those unable to attend in person, the Province will hold virtual one-on-one meetings.
Local government input received during these discussions will inform the final strategy. The Province expects to release the Watershed Security Strategy in winter 2023/24.