This report highlights the complexity that surrounds source water protection (SWP) activities. It demonstrates that decisions about SWP must involve careful consideration of the many pre-existing land and water management strategies that are likely to influence and affect SWP efforts. The report is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive review of SWP in Canada. Instead, examples selected from all Canadian provinces and territories showcase approaches and demonstrate the wide range of tools being used in different jurisdictions.
This briefing note outlines the opportunity to use the Public Trust Doctrine in BC water law. The Public Trust Doctrine helps protect ecological values, ensure water for future needs, engage the public, and protect public uses and interests. The principles embedded in the Public Trust Doctrine are being used in many places around the world to form the cornerstone of effective, efficient and modern sustainable water management regimes. Many of the foundational aspects of the doctrine—as applied to freshwater management—already exist in British Columbia’s legal framework. Proactively adopting the public trust as part of the Water Act modernization process allows the BC Government to implement the doctrine in a comprehensive and efficient way that is best suited to decision making processes and existing Living Water Smart priorities.
This document answers the call of the Premier of British Columbia for citizens to become part of the solution for securing our water future. It outlines key minimum steps critical to protecting this precious resource. This statement of expectations was developed through study and consultation, and the signatory groups urge the BC government to take swift and decisive action on the issues described within.
The WSP team contributes regularly to the FLOW Monitor -- a regular bulletin by the Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW). Each edition includes a review on progress on key national water priorities, celebrates success, and reviews leading efforts to move towards a Federal freshwater strategy.
This detailed policy paper explores the options and opportunities for water governance reform in British Columbia. The paper was developed to assist the Ministry of Environment with its commitment to address water management and modernize the 100 year old Water Act that is no longer able to deal with existing and emerging water issues in the province.Recognizing that governance alone cannot correct inadequate water management, but poor governance will almost certainly prevent effective management, the report outlines three possible paths forward and emphasizes the need to build institutional and ecosystem resilience.
This Blueprint for a Comprehensive Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy was prepared in anticipation of the development of Ontario's Provincial Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy. This policy paper synthesizes research on progressive water conservation policies into a comprehensive plan of action. Implementation of the recommended actions would position Ontario as a leader on conservation. The Blueprint has been endorsed by a number of NGOs and will be utilized to provide input to the province's consultation process.
The WSP hosted two workshops on watershed governance and water conservation programs with Australian water management professionals Amelia Loye, Jodi Dong and Kirk Stinchcombe.
