Province to release draft Water Act legislation in 2012

Water Act Modernization – What’s Next?

Dear Water Supply Association of BC:

I would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the Province’s Water Act Modernization (WAM) project and the proposed new Water Sustainability Act (WSA).

The proposed WSA will build on and replace the current Water Act and respond to current and future pressures on water including population growth, resource development and climate change. Updating our water laws is a key commitment in Living Water Smart: BC’s Water Plan and will position B.C. as a leader in water stewardship.

Last December we released a Policy Proposal on the new WSA and received almost 1400 written submissions including 540 comments on the Living Water Smart Blog. Over the summer, MOE staff have been reviewing the public input and continue to refine the proposed policies and assess their implications.

I want to again thank all those who provided us with comments.  Throughout this process we have received suggestions and ideas on an unprecedented scale and quality. Many British Columbians requested an opportunity to review and comment on the detailed policies and legislation. In response, I am pleased to advise that Government has committed to take more time to further engage with British Columbians on draft legislation in 2012 before it is finalized and introduced into the Legislature.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your contribution and for your commitment to water stewardship.  We’ll be providing more information on our progress and the engagement process in the coming weeks. I invite you to stay in touch by visiting the Living Water Smart Blog and website. Together, we can build a sustainable future for British Columbia’s water resources.

Sincerely,

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment