Whereas in the face of climate change and a rapidly increasing population; fresh water for human consumption, agriculture, industry, and ecological needs has become a precious commodity across British Columbia; And whereas securing a new water source involves the navigation of complex provincial regulations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship to provide leadership and functional involvement in the creation and management of consistent regional water supply strategies and simplify the associated regulatory process, with the aim of ensuring that resilient and sustainable drinking water supplies are in place now and for the future.
Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship The Province recognizes the importance of maintaining a sustainable and resilient drinking water program for communities across British Columbia. Ensuring a reliable supply of water for human consumption, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems remains a top priority, especially as population growth and climate change place increasing pressures on water sources. The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship WLRS was established in 2022 to provide leadership in water stewardship and to coordinate efforts across ministries. WLRS made it a key priority in the 2025 mandate letter to support communities affected by drought and water shortages. By working closely with the ministries of Health, Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, WLRS is well positioned to support the work of Health Authorities, regional drinking water officers and water suppliers around the province in ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water during times of water scarcity. Additionally, WLRS is committed to improving permitting processes while maintaining high environmental standards. To support these efforts, the ministry established a centralized team that is prioritizing decision-making on permits and has significantly reduced processing times for water authorizations, especially in already water-stressed regions. The Province continues to work on long-term water security and drought resilience for communities by providing leadership on watershed stewardship, collaborating with provincial, local and First Nation partners, and streamlining regulatory processes where possible.