Draft Proposal for the Water Sustainability Act

Reform of BC's Anitquated Water Act Gets Cautious "Thumbs Up" from Environmental Group 

November 5, 2013

Kimberley, BC – Wildsight is applauding the BC government’s commitment to reforming the antiquated Water Act, but cautions that the protection of water must guarantee environmental flows for fish, wildlife and sustainable communities.

“Our current 104-year old Water Act fails to protect water for healthy communities, fish, and wildlife”, says Ryan van der Marel, Program Coordinator with Wildsight. “Around the world, water is under under immense pressure due to increased demand and impacts from climate change. In BC, we now have the opportunity to create a strong Water Sustainability Act that is resilient and will protect the health of our water for future British Columbians”. 

The Draft Legislative Proposal for the Water Sustainability Act, will help to modernize our Water Act and make it more relevant to deal with the greatest water management challenges posed in the 21st Century. Wildsight encourages citizens to participate by commenting on the draft legislative proposal before the deadline of November 15th. 

“We encourage all British Columbians to call for a strong Water Sustainability Act that will protect water for fish, sustainable communities, wildlife, and future generations”. 

"This is a critical time in our history, as residents of the Columbia Basin, and we have the opportunity to play a key role in creating the future we want”, explains van der Marel. “Here in the Columbia Basin, we’re fortunate to enjoy some of the cleanest, healthiest water in the world. It’s a privilege, and a responsibility." 

Ryan van der Marel, Program Coordinator

Email: Ryan@Wildsight.ca Phone: 250.505.7666

View details of the Draft Proposal for the Water Sustainability Act: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/watersustainabilityact/